The Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) concluded, on December 12, 2025 in Dakar, the proceedings of its 7th General Assembly, held from December 8 to 12 in the Senegalese capital.At the end of this major continental gathering, farmers’ organizations announced the appointment of the Senegalese Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Dr. Mabouba Diagne, as PAFO Goodwill Ambassador. This distinction recognizes his consistent support, vision, and commitment to peasant and family farming in Africa.The announcement was made during the closing press conference, in the presence of delegations from the five major regions of the continent. Held under the theme “Transforming PAFO Governance for Sustainability,” this 7th General Assembly provided an opportunity to review actions undertaken, renew leadership bodies, strengthen alliances, and define the new 2026–2030 strategic vision.For five days, youth, rural women, farmer leaders, technical partners, and African institutions engaged around a shared objective: building a strong, innovative, and sovereign African agriculture. Discussions focused on governance, climate resilience, generational renewal in farming, women and youth, the transformation of food systems, and the driving role of farmers’ organizations.This General Assembly marked a highlight in the celebration of PAFO’s 15th anniversary.On behalf of all delegates, the General Assembly addressed a Special Motion of Thanks to Minister Dr. Mabouba Diagne for his availability and support to African farmers’ organizations. The platform also mandated its President to initiate the official procedures to confirm the Minister’s appointment as Goodwill Ambassador.This recognition marks an important milestone in the partnership between PAFO and Senegal through the CNCR, and confirms the country’s central role in promoting family farming and food sovereignty at the continental level.According to Mr. Phenias Gumede, the newly elected President of PAFO, surrounded by the new executive members, “the priority will be to ensure the implementation of the outcomes and to rely on the new team for the operationalization of our Action Plan.”As a reminder, PAFO is a continental platform representing more than 80 million African farmers, which for the past 15 years has promoted the defense of producers’ interests, strengthened governance, and advanced sustainable and inclusive food systems.

Babacar Sène – Agropasteur Journal