Author: Cheers Africa

In today’s global economy, the quest for fairness in value chains for small-scale producers in agricultural value chains is increasingly linked to the politics of pricing and the power dynamics that govern global trade. Despite their hard work, small-scale farmers are the least rewarded in global agriculture-food value chains that rely heavily on their efforts. From cocoa and cotton to tea and palm oil, their labour drives industries valued in billions. These farmers work from dawn to dusk growing crops that support their families, national economies and the multinational trade investment returns, yet they are the least rewarded. The challenge…

Despite being closest to their challenges, the voices of young people on the margins are often excluded from forums, research, and conversations about shaping their future. If we give them the tools to become researchers, we can further unlock their agency and support the changes they’re already spearheading in their communities. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with more than 400 million young people aged between 15 and 35 years, according to the African Union. For decades, there has been a growing acknowledgement in Africa that if there is any hope of realising an inclusive and just future,…

The Africa Continental Foresight Consultations for Resilient Agrifood Systems opened  in Nairobi with a strong sense of hope, urgency, and collective responsibility. Organised by the African Union Commission (AUC-DARBE) in collaboration with FARA, CGIAR/ILRI, AUDA-NEPAD, and partners across Africa and the UK, the three-day workshop aims to strengthen the continent’s ability to anticipate and respond to future challenges in its agrifood systems. The consultations build on the 2025 Kampala CAADP Declaration, which calls for data-driven, forward-looking approaches to boost food production, resilience, gender equity, and regional market integration. With climate stress, population growth, market instability, and cross-border shocks increasing, foresight…

The 8th Sustainable Phosphorus Summit (SPS8) has officially commenced in Accra, Ghana, marking the first time this prestigious global event is being hosted on the African continent. Convened by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Ghana, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (West Africa), Lancaster University, and Rothamsted Research, the summit brings together experts from over 20 countries to advance research, dialogue, and action on sustainable phosphorus management. The opening ceremony featured a rich blend of cultural performances and high-level messages. Dr Collins Tay (CSIR-Ghana) welcomed participants, followed by remarks…

Ghanaian screenwriter Gamel Apalayine selected for AuthenticA Series Lab Ghanaian filmmaker and screenwriter Gamel Apalayine has been selected as one of four African writers for the fourth edition of the AuthenticA Series Lab, the highly regarded programme dedicated to shaping the next wave of African screenwriting talent run by Realness Institute in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective and the Canada Media Fund. Gamel joins a distinguished cohort of storytellers from Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt who will take part in the six-month long lab designed to elevate African voices onto the global stage. The AuthenticA programme begins with a residency in…

In a recent CANEX Fireside Chat, Khabane “Khaby” Lame, the world’s most-followed digital creator, spoke with Konnie Touré about his rise to fame. With over 160 million TikTok followers and billions of views, Khaby shared how he went from a factory worker in Italy to a global entertainer.Khaby explained that his journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he lost his job. He started posting on TikTok to pass the time, creating short, silent comedy videos that quickly gained traction. “I was shocked but happy to see all the sudden followers when I started blowing up,” he said. “I appreciate…

Chinese technologies shone at the ninth edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, which was held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, from Thursday to Friday, boosting more exploration on China-Africa cooperation in low-altitude economy. Under the theme of “Collaborating to unlock Africa’s growth – How can Africa deliver a sustainable aviation industry?”, the event attracted 1,700 aviation industry professionals who engaged in-depth discussions on challenges facing the African aviation industry and the new opportunities brought about by technologies, as well as more than 100 companies that showcased their cutting-edge products. Opening the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said…

The Government of Rwanda has partnered with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and EHang Holdings Limited, a global leader in urban air mobility technology to debut Africa’s first-ever passenger electric air taxi flight, marking a new era for aviation innovation on the continent. The groundbreaking flight, featuring the EH216-S electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, took off on Thursday in Kigali during the opening of the 9th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, which runs from September 4–5. “This milestone showcases Rwanda’s ambition to lead in aviation innovation and shape the future of advanced mobility,” RwandAir announced on its…

AGRA and Farm Radio International have joined forces to put farmers, youth, and women at the center of Africa’s food systems transformation. Through a new strategic partnership, the two organizations will use trusted media platforms to amplify grassroots voices, ensuring that those who feed the continent play a central role in shaping agricultural policy and investment. Speaking during the press conference, Aggie Konde, Director of Communication, External Engagement & Advocacy (CIEA) at AGRA highlighted that “no transformation is sustainable unless it is understood, embraced, and owned by the people. Media is one of the strongest catalysts for shaping policy debates,…

Africa’s premier food-systems gathering opens this week in Dakar, Senegal (CICAD & Diamniadio Expo Center), running 31 August – 5 September 2025. The official theme spotlights youth leadership: “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation.” (AFS Forum) Hosted under the leadership of H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, the Forum convenes public and private leaders, researchers, development partners, agripreneurs, and youth champions to move from promises to implementation across the continent’s food systems. (AFS Forum) What to Expect: •Keynotes and Panels: Engage with global experts and African leaders on innovative approaches to drive inclusive agricultural growth and…