HASTEN: Harnessing SDG-based Agrifood System Transformation through the Empowerment of the Next-Generation of Agrifood Leadership in Africa
HASTEN aims to foster and generate transformational changes in people, processes and markets by strengthening capacities among the next generation of leaders in sustainable agrifood systems transformations in Africa.
Operating in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone, it encourages a move from incremental to transformative change by nurturing transdisciplinary systems thinking; developing capacities to analyse SDG interlinkages and identify synergies and trade-offs to make multiple impacts; promoting formal changes and new mindsets and competencies for the creation of effective, inclusive and accountable institutions; and enhancing the private sector’s contribution to the achievement of the SDGs through innovative business practices.
This is being achieved by:
- Empowering youth to lead solutions: HASTEN focuses on increasing the competencies of young agrifood systems professionals in transdisciplinary systems thinking, through training, analysis and exchange visits.
- Enhancing peer learning for process innovation: This is promoted through national workshops in participating countries and the development of nationally focused policy briefs on priority thematic issues, with the aim of inspiring the change in processes necessary for agrifood system transformation.
- Scaling-up eco-inclusive, social agripreneurship: The project includes business incubation initiatives to upgrade the support ecosystem for agrifood SMEs, with a focus on inclusive, climate-smart, resilient value chains and promoting sustainable business practices among young entrepreneurs.
Driven by partnerships with national governments, international investors, academia, research institutes, and youth entrepreneurs, HASTEN aims to enhance agrifood systems' governance and functionality, ultimately promoting efficient and equitable national food systems in the participating countries.
Capacity development
Study visit to Ireland
28 April - 3 May
Twenty-two emerging agrifood leaders from Lesotho, Rwanda and Sierra Leone participated in a transformative study visit to Ireland in the framework of the FAO HASTEN initiative. The study visit, held from 28 April to 3 May, marked a key milestone in the project’s mission to accelerate youth-driven agrifood transformation across the continent.
Hosted by Sustainable Food Systems Ireland- a consortium of five Irish Government organisations, led by the Irish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - the study visit immersed participants in Ireland’s dynamic agrifood ecosystem, offering insights into coordinated institutions, inclusive governance, public-private-academic collaboration and transdisciplinary research and innovation, that have defined Ireland’s strategic food systems planning.
HASTEN Study Visit to Ireland
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Lecture series
September 2025 - February 2026
The HASTEN lecture series was designed in response to country-identified priorities and knowledge gaps. Targeting young professionals across public, private and academic sectors, the series emphasizes transdisciplinary systems thinking and SDG interlinkages. The sessions build on findings from inception missions and a capacity survey, as well as insights from a 2025 study visit to Ireland. The lectures aim to deepen understanding of systems transformation and inspire context-relevant leadership and innovation across sectors.
Business incubation
The HASTEN business incubation programme aims to empower youth-led enterprises and entrepreneurs in Lesotho, Rwanda and Sierra Leone to drive agrifood system transformation and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.
With a strong focus on youth and women-led, eco-inclusive, and green startups, the programme supports micro-small-and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups that have been operational for 1 to 3 years and show high potential to contribute to making agrifood systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems — and ultimately contributing to better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
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From September - October 2025 selected enterprises (10 per country) participated in a 5-day, in-person incubation workshop, designed to strengthen sustainable business practices and support the growth of eco-inclusive and socially driven agripreneurship models. They received tailored guidance to develop sustainable business plans and financial strategies, utilizing interactive workbooks and hands-on tools, facilitated by international and national coaches.
The final day of each workshop included an ecosystem event, where participants pitched their business models and connected with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and development organizations, opening doors to future collaboration and increased visibility in the startup ecosystem.
In addition, three enterprises per country have been selected for tailored follow-up support focused on scaling their operations and building strategic partnerships.
Lesotho, 8–12 September 2025
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HASTEN Business Incubation Programme: Lesotho
11/09/2025
Highlights from the FAO HASTEN business incubation workshop in Lesotho (8–12 September 2025).
Rwanda, 29 September – 3 October 2025
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HASTEN Business Incubation Programme: Rwanda
29/09/2025
Highlights from the FAO HASTEN business incubation workshop in Rwanda (29 September- 3 October 2025).
Sierra Leone, 20-24 October 2025
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HASTEN Business Incubation Programme: Sierra Leone
23/10/2025
Highlights from the FAO HASTEN business incubation workshop in Sierra Leone (20 - 24 October 2025).
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