The recent First Thousand African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology in Addis Ababa has set in motion an ambitious vision for Africa’s agricultural future. While declarations often risk becoming just paperwork, this one feels different – it’s a call to action from a generation that refuses to inherit a broken food system.

The powerful words of the renowned environmental activist Dr Nnimmo Bassey still resonate: “Food is becoming an instrument of control and power. We can’t leave it to corporates.” His call to “decolonise our food system” strikes at the heart of what makes the Addis declaration revolutionary. The youth aren’t just asking for a seat at the table; they’re rebuilding the entire house.

The summit’s demands reflect a clear understanding of the interconnected challenges facing African agriculture. The youth recognise that agroecology isn’t merely about farming practices – it's a holistic approach to food sovereignty that encompasses digital inclusion, land rights, gender equality and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

What sets the Addis declaration apart is its practical blending of tradition and innovation. While firmly rooted in African indigenous knowledge systems, it doesn’t shy away from embracing beneficial modern technologies. As Dr Million Belay, the general coordinator of Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), which convened the summit, noted, it’s about challenging “deeply ingrained narratives” that Africa couldn’t feed itself without heavy chemical inputs and harmful bioinputs.

The commitment to “farmer-managed seed systems” is particularly significant. By championing smallholder farmers’ rights to their seeds, young people are directly confronting one of the most harmful aspects of corporate agriculture – the monopolisation of genetic resources. This stance protects not just biodiversity but the very foundation of African food sovereignty.

The declaration’s emphasis on gender equity shows a deep understanding of social justice. Women, who form the backbone of African agriculture, are finally being placed at the centre of the conversation about agricultural transformation. This isn’t just about equality – it’s about recognising that sustainable food systems cannot exist without women’s full participation and leadership.

Most importantly, young people have outlined specific, actionable demands. They’re calling for greater investment in agroecology, equitable access to resources and the inclusion of agroecological principles in the CAADP Kampala Declaration. We need to move from vague aspirations to concrete policy proposals that can help reshape agriculture in Africa.

The timing is critical. With more than 60 percent of Africa’s population aged 35 or younger, the Addis declaration represents the voices of those who will live with the consequences of today’s agricultural policies. Their commitment to “stay loyal and remain rooted in African indigenous food traditions” while being “aware of false solutions” shows they recognise what they are up against and what to do about it.

But what happens after Addis? The true test lies in implementation. The youth have demonstrated their understanding of the challenges – now they must translate this declaration into action. Success will require continuous pressure on governments, innovative entrepreneurship and the ability to build broad alliances across the continent.

The commitment to “be part of African social movements that ensure social justice” suggests that young people see their role as part of a broader struggle for African dignity and self-determination. They recognise that food sovereignty cannot be separated from peace, environmental justice and cultural preservation, thus demonstrating their political maturity.

As Dr Bassey urged, it’s time to “advocate for policies that recognise the centrality of agroecology in restoring our earth”. Young people have taken up this challenge with extraordinary clarity and purpose. Their vision of agriculture isn’t just about production – it’s about healing the land, preserving cultural heritage and building food systems that serve people rather than profits.

The path forward from Addis won’t be easy. Corporate interests won’t readily surrender their control over African agriculture, and some governments may resist change. But with 60 percent of the continent’s population behind them, young people have the numbers and the vision to drive change. Their declaration provides a blueprint for revolution in African agriculture. 

Salma Yassin, a project manager at Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania, attended the youth summit in Addis Ababa.