Over the first half of 2025, the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) has reaffirmed its role as the united voice of Africa’s smallholder farmers, driving forward advocacy, innovation, and partnerships that place farmers at the center of the continent’s agrifood transformation. From international summits to grassroots training programs, PAFO has been active on multiple fronts, ensuring that farmers are not just beneficiaries but co-creators of sustainable solutions.
Strengthening Climate Resilience
One of the key milestones was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) during the CAADP Extraordinary Summit in Kampala. This landmark partnership is equipping farmers with timely climate data and early warning systems, empowering them to make informed decisions in the face of climate change.
Empowering the Next Generation
In January, PAFO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the Youth Mentorship Program, aimed at building the capacity of young agripreneurs. Through workshops, mentorship, and networking, the program is nurturing a new generation of agricultural leaders who will sustain and innovate Africa’s food systems.
Showcasing Farmer-Led Innovation
Through the PAFO–COLEAD Innovation Series, African SMEs and farmer-led enterprises have been given a continental stage to present scalable solutions. Topics have ranged from sustainable packaging to climate-smart agribusiness, highlighting how African farmers are innovating across value chains.
Policy Advocacy and Thought Leadership
PAFO’s leadership has been visible in high-level global and regional dialogues. From President Ibrahima Coulibaly’s strong call to prioritize farmers in agricultural investment decisions to CEO Dr. Babafemi Oyewole’s interventions at the DESIRA LIFT Global Gateway Conference in Brussels, PAFO continues to ensure that farmers’ perspectives shape international policy and funding decisions.
Training for Impact
In April, PAFO organized an intensive Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Kigali, focusing on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), agroecology, and climate action. The 21 farmer leaders trained are now cascading this knowledge across their networks, multiplying impact across the continent.
Driving Knowledge Exchange
PAFO also co-hosted a webinar on sustainable seed systems with AgriCord and participated in key regional and global exchanges, from the Regional Best Practices Exchange in Kenya to the Asia-Europe People’s Forum in Vietnam. These platforms are building bridges between African farmers and the global community, fostering peer learning and solidarity.
Looking Ahead
The momentum of the first half of 2025 sets the stage for even greater achievements in the months to come. With the upcoming General Assembly and the continued development of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, PAFO is strengthening its institutional vision while deepening its impact at grassroots and continental levels.
Through these actions, PAFO demonstrates a simple but powerful truth: Africa’s farmers are not only the backbone of the continent’s food systems but also the architects of its sustainable future.