African Union Ministers convene in Kampala to chart a decade of agri-food transformation

UGANDA – A transformative three-day Extraordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) concludes today at the Speke Resort Conference Centre, marking a pivotal moment for Africa’s agricultural future. 

Ministers from all 55 AU member states, heads of state, and key stakeholders have united to adopt the Kampala Declaration and a comprehensive Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035).

The summit builds on the AU’s longstanding commitment to agricultural growth, food security, and economic transformation, reaffirming the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) goals under the 2014 Malabo Declaration. 

With food security challenges escalating due to climate change, conflicts, and population growth, the newly endorsed strategy provides a roadmap to develop resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems for Africa.

Livestock as the cornerstone of resilience

Highlighting the integral role of livestock, Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), emphasised the sector’s complexity and potential:

“Livestock embody the complexity of Africa’s food systems, offering critical contributions to food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and gender equality. As we strive for a healthier, food-secure continent, livestock remain essential under all strategic objectives of CAADP.”

ILRI pledged its continued partnership with the AU, leveraging 50 years of expertise to optimize livestock production and innovation.

Key highlights of the CAADP Strategy

The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) sets ambitious targets aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063, aiming to:

• Stimulate investment and foster partnerships to enhance food security and economic growth.
• Strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, infrastructure, and regional trade.
• Empower vulnerable smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.
• Create millions of jobs across inclusive agrifood value chains.

H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, underscored the plan’s focus on inclusivity and accountability:

“We aim to build resilient systems that withstand shocks while empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups to participate equitably in the agri-food sector.“

Mobilizing political will for execution

As the summit progresses into its final day, calls for action have dominated discussions. Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, stressed the need for swift implementation:

“The planning phase ends here. We must move into execution and deliver tangible impacts for our continent and its people. By embracing technological advancements and agro-industrialization, we can lead Africa into a future of self-reliance.“

The significance of execution was echoed by Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda’s Prime Minister, who lamented Africa’s heavy reliance on food imports despite abundant arable land and resources:

“It is a shame that our food imports cost up to US$100 billion. To guarantee our future, Africa must feed itself.“

The new CAADP strategy recognizes agriculture as the cornerstone of Africa’s prosperity. H.E. Dr. Girma Amente, Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, shared Ethiopia’s success in integrating CAADP into its National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP):

“We have consistently increased agricultural investment, achieving the 6% annual growth target and improving crop and livestock production. This has advanced Ethiopia’s resilience and food security.”

The strategy also incorporates insights from diverse stakeholders, including farmers’ organizations, development partners, private sector players, and youth groups.

The summit will conclude with endorsements from AU Heads of State, marking the start of a new era for Africa’s agri-food systems. With clear objectives and collaborative frameworks, the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy promises to catalyze sustainable development, fostering a food-secure and economically vibrant Africa.

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