KIC’s Agricultural Innovation for Africa Conference opens: Youth charged to shape the future of food systems with innovation

Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) and its partners have organised the third edition of the Agricultural Innovation for Africa (AIA) Conference, where Africa’s next generation of innovators has been inspired to take the future of the continent’s food security into their hands through decisive action, innovative solutions, collaborations and partnerships.

The opening of the two-day AIA Conference, kicked off on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, under the theme “African Youth Leveraging Innovation for Sustainable Food Systems.” Hosted by KIC, in partnership with Kosmos Energy and AGRA, the conference brought together policymakers, investors, industry experts, private sector and agribusiness leaders to explore trends and opportunities in innovation, technology, and youth entrepreneurship that can propel Africa’s food systems while addressing pertinent issues such as climate change, market access and agricultural supply chain challenges. In addition to the main sponsors, the Conference was supported by Promasidor, Evivi Foods, New Age, Complete Farmer, Qualiplast Ghana and Blue Skies Company.

The Conference was chaired by Prof. Godfred A. Bokpin, Economist and Professor of Finance, University of Ghana, while Dr. Michael Abu Sakara Foster, Agronomist & Development Specialist gave thought-provoking nuggets to start off the conference proceedings, as the conference provocateur. KIC Board Members were also present.

Officially opening the conference, Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, the Executive Director of Kosmos Innovation Center shared: “The AIA conference platform has been created by KIC to give young people and industry experts the opportunity to engage, network, gain insights into opportunities for transforming the agricultural sector through innovation and technology that support the growth of youth led agri-MSMEs and start-ups”.

He also emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships within and across industries to support youth innovations: “At KIC, we remain open to partnerships that amplify our collective impact — partnerships that empower young people, strengthen agribusinesses, and promote sustainable growth“.

Mr. Gyan-Kesse noted that KIC’s programmes have already supported agritech entrepreneurs and impacted thousands of young people across Ghana. “We currently have 81 funded startups that are in the16 regions of Ghana. We also work together with partner universities and colleges, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Kosmos Energy, to dive agricultural innovation and transformation for young people and their communities“.

In his opening address, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Ghana commended Kosmos Innovation Center for advocating for innovation to transform the agri-Industry by empowering start-ups and young entrepreneurs to grow and scale. He highlighted the strides government is making in the agricultural sector to create direct and indirect jobs in the sector andpolicy initiatives such as the School Farm, meant to create awareness for young people on job opportunities within the sector.

In her speech, Dr. Betty Annan, Country Director of AGRA, partners to the event, lauded the conference’s focus on youth-led innovation. She admonished the youth people to take advantage of entrepreneurship development training in addition to any other skills they have, to make an impact the the agri-Industry and ensure sustainability.

Speakers from the event were seasoned experts in their field, bringing their insights, wisdom and experience to contribute to policy consideration and implementation. The panelists who took turns at the conference highlighted the vast opportunities within the agricultural space that the youth can take advantage of. Some topics highlighted include Youth driven circular economy; Food Innovation and Product Development; Youth at the Centre of Agricultural Transformation; Digital Tools Transforming Food and Agriculture; Addressing Resilient Climate Change, among others.

Key highlights of the event also include Masterclasses on Food Regulation and Compliance by FDA; Food Preservation and Storage Techniques by CSIR Food Research Institute, as well as an Agribusiness Clinic by Africa Skills Hub. Young start-ups seeking potential investors were also not left out. There was a Deal Room where young entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to potential investors. The conference also hosted a marketplace exhibition of start-up innovations, products and services within the sector.