By David Mwanje
At the vibrant AYuTe NextGen 2025 event, Minister of State for Information Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku delivered a rousing call to action, urging Africa’s youth to seize control of the continent’s food future and challenging the private sector to invest in their ingenuity. Held in Uganda, the event brought together young innovators, entrepreneurs, and partners from across Africa to spark collaboration and drive agricultural transformation. With a passionate speech, Baluku set the tone for a dynamic summit that blended inspiration, innovation, and a unified vision for a self-sufficient Africa.
“You, the private sector, you, the big brothers who have the money. That money is useless if it is kept in your pockets. Give it to these young people. Open up Let these young people come to you and teach them how to do business,” Baluku declared, officiating the event. His words resonated with the audience of young farmers, coders, and visionaries, who gathered to explore solutions to Africa’s pressing food security challenges. Baluku’s message was clear: wealth must be channeled into empowering the next generation to revolutionize agriculture.
The Minister, a self-described “village boy” who rose to a top government position, shared his personal story to inspire attendees. “I’m a village boy. From a village background. But I’m a minister. I dare and I’m now at the top… You can make it, you young people. Dare these rich men,” he said, emphasizing that success comes from bold action, not waiting for approval. His journey from humble beginnings to a leadership role underscored his call for young innovators to push boundaries and seize opportunities across borders.
Baluku encouraged attendees to explore the East African Community and beyond, urging them to “go to all the East African countries and look for opportunities. Go to all sectors and look for opportunities. Keep pushing. Keep pushing.” His vision for Africa’s food future was one of action and innovation, driven by those who refuse to wait for permission. “Africa’s food future will not be won by waiting for permission. Not at all. It will be won by those who act now,” he said, highlighting the potential of technologies like blockchain for tracking produce and climate-smart irrigation apps to transform agriculture.
The AYuTe NextGen 2025 event was a melting pot of ideas, with sessions led by young innovators tackling critical topics. Discussions focused on building high-growth agricultural startups, developing technology solutions tailored to local contexts, and addressing the urgent need for systemic changes in food systems. From blockchain to AI-driven farming tools, participants showcased how technology can address challenges like climate change, supply chain inefficiencies, and food insecurity. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between young entrepreneurs, governments, and the private sector to scale these innovations.
The summit also highlighted the power of youth-led innovation in feeding Africa. Baluku praised the “young farmer using blockchain to track produce, the coder developing climate-smart irrigation apps, and the visionary who sees a continent fed by its own ingenuity.” His words echoed the event’s core mission: to empower young Africans to lead the charge in building a sustainable, self-reliant food system. The Minister’s call to “let us feed ourselves” resonated as a rallying cry for collective action.
AYuTe NextGen 2025 concluded with a united commitment to transform Africa’s agricultural landscape. Stakeholders pledged to foster collaboration, invest in youth-driven solutions, and create an enabling environment for innovation. As Baluku’s words lingered, the event left attendees inspired and equipped to turn their ideas into reality. With Africa’s youth at the forefront, the continent’s food future looks brighter than ever, driven by those who dare to act now.
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