Khadijah Aliyu-Nigeria
The 2025 Galien Africa Forum entered its second day on a high note, with young innovators from across the continent showcasing groundbreaking projects designed to strengthen Africa’s health sovereignty and self-reliance.
The Youth Forum segment of the three-day conference, themed “Innovation for Health and Sovereignty: Investing in African Solutions by Youth,” provided a platform for emerging innovators to advocate for increased investment in local solutions and policies that support African-led development in the health and agricultural sectors.
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A panel of young entrepreneurs and researchers made a strong case for African leaders to trust and invest in the creativity and capacity of the continent’s youth to drive transformative change.
One of the panellists, Noel Obognon, Chief Executive Officer of Agro Eco Services from Senegal, emphasised the need for robust regulatory frameworks to guide the production of local fertilisers.
He argued that such policies would reduce Africa’s dependence on imports and empower farmers to increase food production through sustainable, homegrown solutions.
Agro Eco Services produces organic fertilisers derived from black soldier fly larvae—an innovative approach to tackling food insecurity while improving soil health.
“Every year, more than 835 million people suffer from food shortages,” Obognon said. “Reclaiming control over the continent’s health begins with investing in Africa’s food security.”
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Operating in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria, Agro Eco Services is helping farmers access affordable and eco-friendly fertilisers produced and consumed within the continent.
From Niger, Djamila Sahabi Boubarcar, founder of NISSA PAD, highlighted the connection between health sovereignty and menstrual hygiene.
Her social enterprise produces reusable sanitary pads for schoolgirls, addressing both affordability and environmental sustainability.
“Talking about menstruation remains taboo in my country, Niger,” she said. “Mothers can’t discuss it with their daughters, and many girls can’t afford imported pads. NISSA PAD is a lifesaver for them.”
She called on governments, NGOs, and private investors to support local initiatives that can be replicated across Africa to improve the well-being of schoolgirls.
Policy experts and scientists at the forum also discussed how these youth-led innovations could be scaled up to achieve broader health and social impact across the continent.
Eva Sow Ebion, Head of Public Policy Programs at Meta and Co-founder of the Consortium of Youth-Led Organisations in Senegal, highlighted the need for sustained funding to help young innovators expand their impact.
“Our youth embody creativity, value, and innovation in the global economy,” she said. “They deserve inclusion in key spaces from funding and employment to policymaking.”
Eva added, “Africa’s youth are not just dreamers; they are resilient innovators using soft power to promote the continent. We must engage them strategically to attract global investment.”
The Galien Africa Forum, which brings together health experts, policymakers, and innovators, will continue with the Women’s Forum on Thursday, November 30, focusing on wellness and gender inclusion.
The event will culminate on Friday, November 30, with the 5th Galien Africa Prize ceremony, honouring outstanding innovators, scientists, and health leaders driving transformative change across Africa.