Galien Africa Forum 2025: African youth push for support and investment in local health innovations
The 2025 Galien Africa Forum entered its second day with more young innovators showcasing breathtaking projects that seek to advance the continent’s health sovereignty.
The Youth Forum of the 3-day conference is themed “Innovation for Health and Sovereignty: Investing in African Solutions by Youth.”
A panel of young innovators made a compelling case for African leaders to trust and invest in the creativity and capacity of the continent’s youth to redefine Africa’s health narrative.
One of the panelists, Noel Obognon, CEO of Agro Eco Services from Senegal, cited the need for stronger regulations governing the production of local fertilizers, both chemical and organic. He argued that such policies would reduce Africa’s overreliance on imported fertilizers and empower farmers to enhance local food production.
Agro Eco Services specialises in producing organic fertilizers derived from black soldier fly larvae, aimed at tackling food insecurity. According to Noel, “every year, more than 835 million people suffer from food shortages, hence, reclaiming control over the continent’s health is investing in Africa’s food security.”
Agro Eco Services operates in five countries, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. The project serves farmers with organic fertilizer products that are locally produced and consumed.
From Niger, Djamila Sahabi Boubarcar stressed the critical link between health sovereignty and the well-being of the girl-child, particularly in addressing menstrual hygiene. She leads NISSA PAD, a social enterprise that produces reusable sanitary towels for schoolgirls in Niger.
“Talking about menstruation remains a taboo in my country Niger,” she said. “Mothers can’t even discuss it with their daughters, and many girls can’t afford imported pads. NISSA PAD is a lifesaver for such girls.”
Djamila urged governments, NGOs, and donors to invest in local initiatives that can be replicated across Africa to improve the lives of schoolgirls.
Panel discussions also featured policymakers and scientists assessing the feasibility of these innovations for broader continental adoption.
Head of Public Policy Programs, Meta Co-founder of i4Policy who is also Co-founder of the Consortium of Youth-Led Organisations in Senegal, Eva Sow Ebion, underscored the need for sustained funding to help young innovators scale their solutions.
“Our youth embody value and innovation in the global economy,” she said. “They deserve inclusion in all key spaces including employment, funding, and policy development.”
Eva concluded with optimism: “Africa’s youth are not just dreamers, they are resilient innovators. They’re using soft power to promote the continent and we must engage them strategically to attract investment.”
The Women Forum in promoting wellness will take place on Thursday, November 30. The 8th Galien Africa Forum reach its climax on Friday November 31, with its 5th Galien Prize to celebrate great innovators, health experts and scientists.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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