FIPS Africa showcased its work in building agricultural extension and market systems across Africa while supporting 15 young agripreneurs from Kenya to participate in the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda on 31 August – 4 September, 2026.
The young agripreneurs connected with potential partners, interacted with other young people, and attended sessions designed to strengthen their confidence, leadership, and business skills.
FIPS participated in the forum as an African systems enterprise working with organisations across the continent to build agricultural systems that continue beyond individual projects. Its approaches include the Village-Based Advisor model and small trial packs, which enable farmers to test technologies on their farms, learn from trusted local advisers and make informed decisions.
FIPS listens to farmers and works with them and its partners to co-create practical solutions that respond to local needs. It also strengthens the capacity of African organisations to adapt and apply these approaches within their contexts.
Young agripreneurs gain confidence and new business ideas
The 15 young agripreneurs attended several sessions, including the GoGettaz Live Pitches within the Youth Dome programme. The pitches allowed them to observe how other young entrepreneurs present their businesses, communicate their ideas, and seek partnerships.
For Mary Mwango, a young agripreneur from Kilifi County, the experience changed how she sees herself and her enterprise.
“Now I know I am the founder and CEO of Eden Farm, something I would not have confidently said before attending this event,” Mary said.
“It has challenged me to be confident and start learning how to talk about my business and myself, either to my peers or potential partners.”
Zipporah Ateyu, a young fish farmer and agrodealer from Kakamega County, left the forum with an idea that could help her reduce production costs and increase her income.
“As a fish farmer, I currently buy young fish, rear them for about two months and then sell them. This meeting has challenged me to begin hatching my own catfish. Doing so will reduce my costs and help me generate more income from the enterprise,” Zipporah said.
The young agripreneurs also attended the Presidential Conversation with the Youth, also referred to as the Presidential and Youth Town Hall.
During the session, President Paul Kagame challenged young people to move beyond knowledge and inspiration and take responsibility for addressing problems.
“Leaders are there to address problems. It is not enough to think, understand, or be inspired. The real test of leadership is what you do with that knowledge and inspiration,” President Kagame said.
Strengthening the systems around young people
FIPS Africa’s Partnerships and Technical Manager, Raymond Kojo, also participated in a discussion on agrifood inclusion for young people living with disabilities and those affected by conflict.
He spoke about the need to understand the enterprises young people want to pursue, the barriers they face and the support systems they need to succeed.
“We need to change how young people see agriculture, but we also need to understand the barriers they face and work with them to pursue the enterprises they are interested in,” Raymond said.
“When we strengthen the systems around them, from extension and markets to finance, we create opportunities that can continue long after individual projects or programmes end.”
This reflects FIPS Africa’s approach to youth enterprise. The organisation works with young people and partners to strengthen access to knowledge, services, finance and markets, enabling youth-led enterprises to continue growing beyond the life of a project.
Celebrating Indigenous youth and knowledge
FIPS Africa also partnered with AGRA to organise and deliver the Youth Dome session, “Roots & Rhythms: Celebrating Indigenous Youth”.
The session was facilitated by FIPS Africa’s Paulyene Masanja. It featured speeches from FIPS Africa’s Koech Denis and young agripreneurs Mary Mushira and Bonface Ouma. Dr Davis Muthini, AGRA Country Director for Kenya, also spoke at the event.
As part of celebrations marking the forum’s 20th anniversary, an elder, an Indigenous representative and a young agripreneur took part in a ceremonial cake-cutting. The moment honoured African heritage, identity and the transfer of knowledge between generations.
FIPS Africa’s participation in the forum reflected its commitment to listening to farmers, investing in young people and strengthening African organisations. Through these partnerships, FIPS is building agricultural extension and market systems that remain relevant and continue serving farmers beyond individual projects.
