KAMPALA, October 14, 2025 —The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa [ AFSA ] ushered in a new chapter of leadership during its Annual General Meeting held recently at Sapphier Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting, which brought together representatives from across the continent, marked a moment of renewal and continuity for Africa’s largest civil society platform championing agroecology, food sovereignty, and climate justice.
In a landmark election, Reverend Tolbert Thomas Jallah Jr., a Liberian faith leader and Executive Director of the Faith and Justice Network of the Mano River Basin, was elected as the new Chairperson of AFSA’s Board of Directors. Reverend Jallah, an international campaigner and passionate advocate for ethical and sustainable African development, will serve a three-year term guiding AFSA’s strategic direction at a pivotal time when Africa’s food systems face increasing corporate concentration and technological pressures.
In his acceptance speech, Reverend Jallah emphasised the urgency of defending African-driven food systems and the rights of smallholder farmers and local communities. “This is not just a personal honor,” he said, “but a call to amplify the prophetic voice of Africa in resisting corporate capture and standing for food sovereignty rooted in justice, dignity, and sustainability.” He underscored AFSA’s continental role in uniting diverse movements — from farmers, pastoralists, and indigenous peoples to environmentalists, faith-based groups, fisherfolk, and civil society organizations — in pursuit of a just and ecologically sound food future for the continent.
A symbolic moment during the gathering captured AFSA’s spirit of unity and continuity, as the outgoing Board Chair, Hakim Baliraine, National Board Chairperson of ESAFF-UGANDA, graciously handed over the ceremonial hammer of leadership to Reverend Jallah. In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Chair reflected on AFSA’s growth over the past three years and urged continued collaboration across generations of leaders. “Leadership is service,” he said. “I will remain steadfast in supporting AFSA, sharing my experiences, and walking alongside this movement as it continues to flourish.”
Adding to the moment’s significance, AFSA’s Annual General Meeting also elected two new members to its Board — Elisabeth Atangana, President of the Concertation Nationale des Organisations Paysannes du Cameroun (CNOP-CAM), and Gabriel Manyangadze, Food and Climate Justice Manager of the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI). Members further elected Elisabeth Atangana as Treasurer and Anne Maina of BIBA Kenya as Secretary of the Board. The AGM also re-elected Amadou Kanote of CICODEV, Joyse Brown of HOMEF, Anne Maina of BIBA Kenya, and Hakim Baliraine of ESAFF-UGANDA to serve a second term as Board Members of AFSA.
Reflecting on the significance of the new chapter, the new Board Chair, Reverend Tolbert Thomas Jallah Jr., expressed optimism about the organization’s future. “AFSA has become the continental voice of the people,” he said. “Our unity is our power, and this new leadership will take the movement to even greater heights, rooted in African realities and guided by the wisdom of our farmers, elders, and youth.”
In a gesture of appreciation, the AFSA Secretariat honored departing and re-elected Board Members with Certificates of Recognition, commending their relentless dedication and contribution to advancing AFSA’s mission. The heartfelt moment underscored the organization’s culture of gratitude, solidarity, and collective purpose.
As AFSA moves forward under its new leadership, the organisation stands poised to deepen its advocacy for agroecology, climate justice, and dignified livelihoods, amplifying the voices of communities shaping the continent’s food future — ensuring that Africa’s food sovereignty remains firmly in African hands.
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