NECJOGHA News Desk
NECJOGHA News Desk, Nairobi — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), together with its specialized body, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has launched a Regional Youth Coalition on Climate and Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems, inviting applications from innovators aged 18 to 35 across the Horn of Africa.
The coalition seeks to connect young climate-smart farmers and agri-tech entrepreneurs with mentorship from experts, private sector leaders, and policymakers. IGAD, ICPAC and AGRA said the initiative aims to amplify youth-led solutions to climate change and strengthen food systems in the region.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 1.3 billion young people worldwide are engaged in agrifood systems, with 44% of working youth depending on agriculture for employment. In Africa, over 60% of the population is under 25, making youth engagement critical for food security and climate resilience.
AGRA, which works to transform Africa’s agriculture by investing in smallholder farmers and strengthening food systems, said its partnership will ensure that youth innovators gain access to resources, networks, and policy platforms.
The organization emphasized that empowering young agri-preneurs is key to building resilient economies and tackling unemployment across the continent.
IGAD, ICPAC and AGRA noted that empowering youth innovators could help address challenges such as unemployment, rural-urban migration, and rising food insecurity. The coalition will provide mentorship opportunities, networking platforms, and policy engagement to ensure youth voices shape regional strategies.
Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftcgEQ8tgRNS1zZIBAzxC36w4s6LuLc6fGFZeee4kMsPV8CQ/viewform
Deadline: 22 May, 2026
