Kampala, Uganda, served as backdrop to the 2-day regional summit organised by NFP and PELUM Uganda in October 2022. Over 300 young entrepreneurs and agroecology experts from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and others, got together to discuss the results and lessons learnt throughout the YALTA programme, as well as how to replicate and scale the successes. They also interacted with like-minded stakeholders and engaged in driving regional policy processes and knowledge exchange. 

The summit was an opportunity to connect. Even before the formal start, around 20 young entrepreneurs from each country in the program visited different youth-led agroecological businesses. At the meeting itself, participants could showcase their businesses during the first Agroecological Market Systems Expo (AMASE). The keynote speeches helped them reflect on the importance of youth engagement and a market-based approach in agroecology. In panel discussions and interactive sessions, young entrepreneurs and agroecology experts identified best practices to replicate and scale in the field of market access, effective adoption of agroecological principles and the creation of a conducive business ecosystem for young entrepreneurs to thrive.

The event also identified barriers to existing and developing market opportunities for agroecological products and services. Development partners, government representatives, research institutions, investors, and business development service providers from across East Africa pledged to take up these issues and address the remaining needs in order to continue supporting young agroecology entrepreneurs.

Young entrepreneurs played a leading role in identifying best practices and remaining gaps and needs. The interest, engagement and energy of the participants was high throughout the event. Breaks and informal exchange sessions provided the perfect opportunity for regional learning and exchange. 

Kampala, Uganda, served as backdrop to the 2-day regional summit organised by NFP and PELUM Uganda in October 2022. Over 300 young entrepreneurs and agroecology experts from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and others, got together to discuss the results and lessons learnt throughout the YALTA programme, as well as how to replicate and scale the successes. They also interacted with like-minded stakeholders and engaged in driving regional policy processes and knowledge exchange. 

The summit was an opportunity to connect. Even before the formal start, around 20 young entrepreneurs from each country in the program visited different youth-led agroecological businesses. At the meeting itself, participants could showcase their businesses during the first Agroecological Market Systems Expo (AMASE). The keynote speeches helped them reflect on the importance of youth engagement and a market-based approach in agroecology. In panel discussions and interactive sessions, young entrepreneurs and agroecology experts identified best practices to replicate and scale in the field of market access, effective adoption of agroecological principles and the creation of a conducive business ecosystem for young entrepreneurs to thrive.

The event also identified barriers to existing and developing market opportunities for agroecological products and services. Development partners, government representatives, research institutions, investors, and business development service providers from across East Africa pledged to take up these issues and address the remaining needs in order to continue supporting young agroecology entrepreneurs.

Young entrepreneurs played a leading role in identifying best practices and remaining gaps and needs. The interest, engagement and energy of the participants was high throughout the event. Breaks and informal exchange sessions provided the perfect opportunity for regional learning and exchange.