The Southern African Development Community (SADC) hosted its first-ever Youth in Agrifood Systems Trade Fair Expo from 6 to 7 October 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana. The event convened 24 youth delegates from across the region and 64 local participants, all united by a shared commitment to agricultural innovation and transformation.
Delegates represented 11 SADC Member States, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, underscoring the regional scope and collaborative spirit of the Expo. Over two days, young agripreneurs showcased their entrepreneurial and technical expertise in areas such as groundnut processing, feed production, chilli processing, and digital technologies. These innovations reflect SADC’s strategic focus on fostering sustainable employment opportunities for youth, who constitute the majority of the region’s population.
The Expo was officially opened by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth-led initiatives in the agrifood sector. The presence of H.E. Sabdiyo Dido Bashuna, Kenyan High Commissioner to Botswana, added continental diplomatic support and highlighted the broader interest in youth-driven agricultural transformation.
Private sector engagement was robust, with participation from Botswana-based companies in insurance, the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), and the Botswana University. Key representatives from SADC’s Directorate of Industrial Development and Trade and the Directorate of Social and Human Capital Development also attended, emphasizing the event’s significance in promoting youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
Youth participants advocated for the Expo to become an annual event, rotating among SADC Member States to enhance regional visibility, knowledge exchange, and market access for young agripreneurs. During discussions, Dr. Maxwell Parakokwa, Senior Programme Officer for Employment, Labour and Youth at the SADC Secretariat, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with National Youth Councils. Plans are underway to transition from council-based engagement to the establishment of national youth associations focused on agrifood systems, aimed at improving coordination, amplifying youth voices, and deepening participation in agricultural development.
The Trade Fair Expo aligned with the African Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS), a continental framework supporting regional and national efforts to develop youth agribusiness strategies, integrate them into National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs), and align with Youth Employment Strategies. The event provided a dynamic platform for youth to network, share experiences, and identify barriers to effective participation in agrifood systems, laying the foundation for enhanced innovation, enterprise development, and regional cooperation.
