Food Revolution: 5 Powerful Ways Irish Leaders Are Empowering Africa’s Agriculture
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Dublin, Ireland – Food is no longer just a commodity in Africa — it’s a tool for transformation. At the Africa Ireland Trade Horizons conference, Irish business leaders unveiled five strategic approaches to boost Africa’s food production by empowering youth and investing in local infrastructure.
Chris Teeger, representing the Kerry Group — home to Africa’s most advanced taste facility — urged European investors to see African youth as future leaders of food systems. “Food sustainability starts with people. If we trust and educate young Africans, they’ll drive innovation,” said Teeger.
Despite the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), African nations still imported $55 billion in food products in 2024. That number is expected to reach $110 billion by the end of 2025 — a clear signal that local food production needs massive scaling.
1. Education First: Upskilling for a Future
Teeger believes education is the cornerstone of food self-sufficiency in Africa. “We’ve employed hundreds of graduates from African universities. They’ve flourished with the right training,” he noted.
Many African countries already produce rice, wheat, and maize. The issue isn’t the lack of resources—it’s the lack of a skilled workforce to optimize and expand production.
2. Ending Import Dependence
“Why are we importing food that Africa already grows?” asked Teeger. With fertile land and favorable climates, Africa has the potential to feed itself — and even export surplus globally.
Internal trade policies and improved logistics are essential for reducing food imports. Teeger emphasized the urgency to stop relying on foreign products and instead invest in local farming ecosystems.
3. People Over Products: QK Group’s Success
Ivor Queally, CEO of QK Group South Africa, recounted how his company shifted from a product-focused model to a people-focused one when it entered South Africa in 2005.
They encountered major obstacles — from education gaps to widespread HIV/AIDS. “We didn’t just build factories. We built schools and clinics,” Queally said. Their efforts eventually led to a self-sustaining, fully African-operated branch of the company.
“We no longer send Irish staff to train Africans. Now, Africans train our staff in Europe,” he added proudly.
4. Youth Empowerment is Key
Both leaders agreed: the future of Africa’s development lies in the hands of its youth. With over 60% of the population under the age of 25, Africa is the youngest continent on the planet. This demographic advantage presents a rare opportunity to build a dynamic, skilled, and innovative workforce capable of driving long-term change—if provided with the right tools, education, and opportunities.
However, youth unemployment remains one of the continent’s most pressing challenges. Many young Africans struggle to access quality education, vocational training, and meaningful employment. To address this, public-private partnerships are becoming increasingly vital. Business leaders like Teeger and Queally emphasized the importance of creating pathways for young people to take leadership roles in vital industries through targeted training and mentorship.
Initiatives under discussion at the Dublin conference included:
- Technical training centers focused on equipping youth with in-demand skills relevant to local industries.
- Entrepreneurship hubs that support idea incubation and provide seed funding for youth-led enterprises.
- Mentorship and exchange programs that allow young Africans to gain experience abroad and bring valuable insights back to their communities.
These efforts go beyond mere employment. They are about fostering a generation of confident, capable leaders who can reshape local economies and social structures. It’s about ownership—giving young people the resources and space to build solutions that reflect their realities and ambitions.
In regions where such initiatives have been launched, the results are promising. Youth who once viewed certain industries as outdated or inaccessible are now starting businesses, innovating with new technologies, and creating employment for others. They are not just participating in development—they are leading it.
As Queally noted, “When we invest in youth, we’re investing in resilience. These young people don’t just bring energy; they bring ideas, perspective, and long-term commitment to their communities.”
Empowering youth, therefore, is not a side initiative—it’s a central pillar of sustainable development. It requires vision, patience, and, most importantly, a belief in the potential of Africa’s next generation to drive lasting transformation.
5. A New Narrative for Europe-Africa Trade
Queally and Teeger both called for a new narrative: one that sees Africa as a partner, not a passive recipient. “Food innovation must be mutual,” said Queally. “Europe should invest not just to profit, but to partner in a shared food-secure future.”
This includes promoting Africa’s strengths in European media and showcasing the continent’s agricultural successes to global investors.
Conclusion: The Movement Starts Now
As food insecurity rises globally due to climate change and political instability, Africa’s role as a food powerhouse becomes more vital than ever. Irish businesses are setting an example—through sustainable investment in people, partnerships, and long-term infrastructure.
This report is part of our “Food Futures” series. The journalist’s visit to Ireland was sponsored by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa.
