Africa is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, given its dependence on agriculture for income and employment. The majority of Africa´s youth population is employed in the agriculture sector where they face several challenges, making the sector less attractive to young people. Investment in agriculture and agrifood systems is below the level required to achieve the goals related to agricultural transformation, which could unlock millions of sustainable jobs in agrifood systems for the youth. Integrated approaches which contribute to improved policy and management of public finances will be key to achieving policy outcomes related to agricultural transformation, climate change, youth employment and gender equality.

The regional Policy Dialogue that we held in CABRI member country Malawi from 29-31 October 2025, came at a pivotal moment for Malawi, as the country intensifies its efforts of strengthening transformation initiatives of its agricultural sector, in line with the Malawi 2063 vision. Recent initiatives including the Malawi Agricultural Cluster Initiative (MACI), large-scale irrigation investments and youth-led agribusiness programmes, have demonstrated the government’s commitment towards building a resilient, inclusive and commercially viable agricultural system.

Building on CABRI´s previous work, the Policy Dialogue addressed the nexus between public financial management (PFM), agrifood systems, climate change and youth employment for sustainable and resilient development inclusive of the most vulnerable women and men. The event brought together officials from across the continent from government ministries responsible for finance, budgeting, planning, agriculture, and employment.