Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairperson of the African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN) and head of Ghana’s Parliamentary Committee on Food and Agriculture, has issued a powerful call for African lawmakers to take the lead in transforming the continent’s food systems.
Speaking at the Parliamentarians’ Forum during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal, Dr. Jasaw emphasized that meaningful progress cannot be achieved by governments, civil society, or the private sector alone. Instead, he argued, parliaments must act as catalysts, connectors, and guardians of Africa’s food future.
“The acceleration we seek cannot be achieved by governments alone… It must be powered by parliaments,” he declared.
He urged legislators to fast-track agricultural legislation, empower farmers, and coordinate efforts to deliver impactful outcomes. With over 6,000 participants from 113 countries, the AFSF 2025 summit focused on youth-led innovation and collaboration in agri-food systems.
Dr. Jasaw highlighted the critical role of Africa’s youth, describing them as the driving force behind farms, markets, and innovation hubs. He called for policies that expand access to land, finance, and markets, enabling young entrepreneurs to scale climate-smart and tech-driven solutions.
The forum also addressed the continent’s lagging progress on food security targets set by the Malabo Declaration, as revealed in recent Biennial Review reports. As Africa transitions into the Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035), Dr. Jasaw stressed that parliamentary engagement is essential to ensure inclusive implementation, strategic investment, and effective oversight.
This renewed focus positions parliaments as central actors in shaping resilient, youth-driven, and sustainable food systems across Africa.
