The 49th session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), held in Rome on 10 February 2026, emphasized the vital role of young entrepreneurs in transforming global food systems and enhancing food security. IFAD President Alvaro Lario highlighted that youth bring energy, digital skills, and creativity, and that investing in their training, access to finance, market linkages, and networks can turn these strengths into viable rural enterprises, building productivity as a pillar of global food security.
Globally, 1.3 billion young people form the largest generation in history, with half living in rural areas of developing countries. Investment gaps in these regions have created an “opportunity deficit,” limiting their economic potential. Closing this gap is essential not only for increasing food production but also for creating jobs across the entire agricultural value chain, from farming to processing, marketing, and export. Lario stressed that investing in young entrepreneurs is a necessity for building sustainable and resilient food systems.
Guest speaker Tony Elumelu, African entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, reinforced this message, noting that agriculture is a strategic resource that fuels rural economies, sustains communities, and drives broader economic growth. He highlighted the success of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has empowered 24,000 entrepreneurs, 21% of whom operate in agriculture and agribusiness, creating over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs. This demonstrates the transformative potential of agriculture to uplift communities across Africa.
During a fireside chat, Lario and Elumelu discussed Africapitalism—the principle that Africa’s private sector, led by local entrepreneurs, should drive economic and social transformation rather than relying on prolonged aid. IFAD, as the only international financial institution investing at the “first mile” of food systems, leverages each dollar into roughly six dollars of high-impact investment, increasing rural incomes, productivity, and market access by over 30%.
As IFAD nears its 50th anniversary and prepares for the launch of its fourteenth replenishment consultations, the Fund is renewing partnerships with rural communities, governments, and the private sector to achieve measurable, lasting results. The Governing Council also began establishing consultations for the 2028-2030 period to set strategic priorities and secure new financial contributions.
IFAD, based in Rome as part of the United Nations food and agriculture hub, has invested over US$25 billion in grants and low-interest loans since 1978 to empower rural populations, reduce poverty, enhance food security, improve nutrition, and strengthen resilience.
