The “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025” report released last week offers worrying statistics.

While hunger is declining in other regions of the world, in parts of Africa, it is steadily rising. Over 600 million people globally faced hunger in 2024 – and shockingly, more than 300 million of them were in Africa.  

Compounding this is another sobering reality: over 100 million young people across Africa are illiterate, unemployed, or underemployed.

The elephant in the room is clear – can Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) help address these challenges? 

On July 25, 2025, just hours before receiving the devastating news of his passing, I had the privilege of holding a virtual conversation with the late Sir Dr David Nabarro and his partner, Florence Lesbennes of 4SD Foundation. We discussed, at length, the urgent need to skill young people for food systems transformation in Africa. 

Sir David – a passionate advocate for food systems transformation – strongly affirmed that TVETs and practical, technical and core skills can play a pivotal role in tackling food and nutrition insecurity across Africa. 

To achieve this, skill anticipation must be prioritised. What types of knowledge and skills are needed to address current and emerging food systems challenges?

Are these skills being taught to young people today? More importantly, are TVET curricula aligned with Africa’s agrifood systems, on which so many economies depend? 

During a practical session on farm products and food processing, trainees from the Agriculture and Environmental Studies department at my institution conducted a project on value addition by preparing mandazi (fried dough snacks).

The snacks were later sold to trainers and staff. Later, in my entrepreneurship class, I asked the trainees whether they would consider starting food value addition enterprises after graduation.

Many were unsure. Yet, initiatives like these hold great potential in addressing food insecurity. 

As I have consistently argued in this column, every skill acquired in TVET can contribute meaningfully to food systems transformation.

Consider students learning solar installation: they can support farmers in setting up solar dryers to reduce post-harvest loss of fruits and vegetables.

Plumbing and water engineering trainees can help smallholder farmers establish water conservation systems and small-scale irrigation, boosting year-round food production and climate resilience. 

So, can TVETs help solve pressing sustainable development challenges such as food insecurity? The answer is a resounding yes.

But we must address three key areas: mindset, investment policy, and skills anticipation. 

This is why I will deeply miss the wisdom, clarity, and encouragement of Sir David Nabarro. His passing is not just a loss to global food systems, but also to many of us committed to youth skilling and sustainable development in Africa. 

Yet, his legacy gives me renewed impetus. I remain committed to advocating for skilling models that not only respond to food system challenges but also drive the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals across Africa. 

Rest in peace, Sir David. Your legacy lives on. 

The writer is a UN global food systems Youth Leader, vocational and technical Trainer, and communication Consultant