Six months after its launch, the FAO - PAFO Youth Mentorship Programme is approaching a powerful milestone: the final pitching event in Kigali, Rwanda. This marks the culmination of a transformative journey that has empowered 42 young agripreneurs from across Africa to lead inclusive agrifood systems transformation.

Launched in April 2025, the pilot programme is a joint initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO), designed to equip youth with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in agriculture. With 28 seasoned mentors guiding the mentees through tailored sessions, the programme has fostered a vibrant environment of learning and leadership.

“This mentorship journey has been more than a training programme, it’s a movement. It’s about building a generation of young leaders who are not only ready to pitch ideas but to reshape Africa’s agricultural future,” said Schadrack Seyeneza, Mentorship Programme Coordinator at PAFO Kigali.

A Journey of Growth and Purpose

Over the past months, mentees have engaged in capacity-building workshops on agripreneurship, digital agriculture, personal branding, and youth leadership. They have also completed courses from the FAO eLearning Academy, covering topics such as agroecology, responsible investment, and agribusiness development.

In October, mentees met virtually to hold a regional pitching session in front of a panel of judges composed of FAO and PAFO staff. This offered a glimpse into the depth and diversity of the mentees’ work. From innovative post-harvest solutions to climate-smart farming models and youth employment strategies, the presentations reflected a strong alignment with FAO’s vision for inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems led by youth and women. The session also underscored the importance of mentorship in refining business strategies and enhancing impact.

Strategic partners like the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO) have played a pivotal role, contributing mentors from its Gymnasium Programme and reinforcing the programme’s commitment to global leadership and local impact.

Toward Kigali and Beyond

The final pitching event will bring together selected mentees whose projects demonstrated feasibility, potential for scale, and a positive impact on communities and the environment. These young leaders will present their initiatives in Kigali, hosted by the FAO country office of Rwanda and PAFO HQs. The mentees will have the opportunity to pitch their refined business ideas in front of a panel of judges, competing for a cash prize to invest in their agribusinesses.

“Through this mentorship initiative, FAO and PAFO are investing in the future of Africa’s food systems. By empowering youth with guidance, networks, and practical learning, we are helping them turn their ideas into action and solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector”, said Maribel GonzálezBarraza, Partnerships Officer, Civil Society Partnerships Unit at FAO Headquarters Rome.

As the programme nears its conclusion, the energy and ambition of the mentees signal a new chapter in Africa’s agrifood transformation. This event in Kigali is not just a finale, it is a launchpad for a pan-African network of youth agripreneurs ready to lead the way toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural future.