Africa has a paradox on its hands. The youngest population globally, yet the oldest farmers. However, within this paradox lies an untapped opportunity that could redefine the continent’s future through youth-led innovation in agriculture.
This was the key takeaway message during a powerful and timely youth-led panel that took place at Market Access Africa, hosted at the Durban ICC in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zamokuhle Thwala, co-founder of AgriKool, offered a challenge to the conventional narrative of technological advancement. While excited about digital transformation, he urged a grounded, honest dialogue.
“We talk a lot about the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but the infrastructure is still a challenge. Let’s get the fundamentals right… We seem to always be catching the wave just as it’s about to move.”
The power of technology in farming
Thwala’s insights highlighted a critical reality, stating that progress must be tailored to context. If technology is to serve African farmers, especially youth and smallholders, it must be built on a solid foundation. Access to land, capital, connectivity and knowledge is essential. Otherwise, the digital divide risks reinforcing the inequalities it promises to dismantle.
Taking the conversation further into the future, Ntando Mniki, data analytics manager at Aizatron, spotlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are unlocking radical new capabilities for farmers.
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“You can use AI for early disease detection. Think about smart IoT sensors to track soil moisture, plant growth, and temperature… All of that helps farmers make the right decisions. When to harvest, and what nutrients to use, so they can create optimal growing conditions.”
Mniki reminded the audience that data is not a luxury, but a necessity. Yet she also acknowledged the gap between technological promise and smallholder reality.
Youth at the heart of Africa’s agri-economy
Ipeleng Rebecca Kwadi, chairperson of the North West Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (Yard), brought a continental lens to the discussion. She emphasised how frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can act as levers for youth empowerment.
“Young people need to understand that they should use e-commerce… that will enable them to do marketing. And they should also have confidence that their intellectual property rights will be reserved.”
Kwadi’s call is especially poignant during Youth Month. Her message to young people is clear: do not be afraid to go beyond the farm. She urged young farmers to explore the secondary agricultural economy, including processing, packaging and value-adding.
“Most of us are on the primary level. But attending these kinds of events gives us confidence. Young people, tap into the secondary. Don’t be afraid to comply. Just go through those documents. Get relevant people to assist you.”
Her appeal was not just about compliance, but also about encouraging youth in agriculture to claim their power within the agricultural value chain.
What kind of Africa are we building?
At the heart of this panel was not merely a conversation about agriculture, but one about agency. Panellists challenged attendees to consider what happens when Africa’s youth are not only seen as beneficiaries, but as architects of the food systems of the future.
Thwala shared his vision for the continent, expressing hope that with the right tools, trust and investment in young agricultural leaders, Africa’s future would be bright.
“If we get it right, if we truly empower youth, we’re not just creating farmers. We’re cultivating a food-secure, thriving Africa that nourishes generations to come,” he said.
The next chapter of African agriculture is being written now. Panellists concluded with a call for stronger support from both the government and the private sector.
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