AFSF 2025: Proscovia Alando on how the Forum could enhance the lived realities of farmers and entrepreneurs

• How are you currently contributing to healthy, inclusive and sustainable food systems?

I lead Samaky Hub, a company focused on advancing sustainable, inclusive, and profitable aquaculture in Africa. We support fish farmers, especially women and youth, through training, business advisory, and improved market access. This involves bridging gaps between key actors across the seafood sector. Our aim is to help farmers build strong enterprises that improve livelihoods and contribute to food security. I also engage in policy advocacy to promote more inclusive and youth-responsive systems. As an African Food Fellow, I collaborate with other fellows and food systems leaders to align grassroots action with national priorities across the continent.

• Why is this year’s AFSF important to your work?

This year’s Africa Food Systems Forum aligns deeply with my work in aquaculture and youth leadership. It is a space where African voices drive the agenda, not just react to it. I see this forum as an opportunity to connect with people shaping real change in food systems across the continent. I am especially drawn to conversations around sustainable agriculture, enterprise development, and practical implementation. As someone working to place African aquaculture on the global map, I’m excited to highlight how blue foods (like fish, seaweed etc.) contribute to nutrition and climate resilience, and to build partnerships that can strengthen both my work and the wider food systems agenda.

• How are you looking forward to contributing my skills and expertise at the AFSF?

I am honored to join AFSF 2025 as a speaker in two thematic sessions. On 2nd September, I will speak in the side event “NextGen Agri Food Leaders: Catalyzing Youth Driven Transformation in Africa,” contributing to a fireside chat on practical strategies for empowering youth along the value chain and aligning support for youth led ventures. On 3rd September, I will join the thematic session on Agri Food Systems Leadership and Governance to share lessons from building Samaky Hub, supporting fish farmers, and engaging in policy to strengthen aquaculture across Africa. Both sessions are opportunities to learn, mentor, exchange ideas, and offer grounded perspectives for lasting impact.

• What are the most important outcomes you are hoping will be delivered by the AFSF?

I want AFSF 2025 to spark real momentum for food systems that are more inclusive, better financed, and driven by African leadership. I would like to see clear support for youth and women through accessible credit, strong networks, and better policy environments. Blue foods and aquaculture must be part of this conversation. As an African Food Fellow, I see this as a chance to connect national priorities with the lived realities of farmers and entrepreneurs. What matters most is a shared roadmap backed by accountability, and partnerships that will help grow our work at Samaky Hub well beyond the summit.

• Who are you most looking forward to meeting or hearing from at the AFSF? And why?

I am looking forward to hearing from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal. His leadership signals a shift in how we approach youth in policy and food systems transformation. I am also excited to connect with young innovators across Africa who are designing practical solutions for their communities. Meeting finalists of the GoGettaz Prize and connecting with African Food Fellows from other countries will be a highlight. I value these moments of exchange because they often lead to unexpected collaboration. I am going to Dakar with an open mind and a clear mission to grow what we are building at Samaky Hub.

• What does food systems leadership mean to you?

To me, food systems leadership means seeing the whole picture and helping people move in the same direction to create lasting change. I believe in leadership that empowers others, especially women and youth, to take the lead, shape decisions, and build real solutions. It requires clarity, humility, and the ability to collaborate. As an African Food Fellow, I have seen the impact of shared learning and local action. Through my work at Samaky Hub, I remain committed to growing food systems that nourish communities, create opportunity, and center those closest to both the challenges and the solutions.