Ministers of Agriculture from all 55 African Union member states convened today in Kampala, Uganda, for the AU’s three-day Extraordinary Summit. The summit marks a significant turning point for Africa’s agricultural future, as leaders prepare to adopt the Kampala Declaration and a transformative 10-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035). This visionary blueprint aims to advance agricultural transformation, food security, and climate-resilient systems, directly addressing the Malabo Declaration goals set in 2014.
Developed through a comprehensive, inclusive process involving regional bodies, researchers, farmers’ organizations, and youth groups, the CAADP strategy emphasizes investment, partnerships, and inclusive governance. It aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063, focusing on sustainable food systems, boosting intra-African trade, and building resilient agrifood systems to withstand climate and economic shocks.
Ugandan Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja opened the summit with a call to action, urging Africa to harness its rich agricultural resources. “It is a shame that Africa spends up to $100 billion on food imports. We must guarantee our future by feeding ourselves,” she declared.
Ambassador Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, reinforced the strategy’s core objectives: “We aim to boost food production, create millions of jobs, expand value addition, and ensure equitable resource access for women, youth, and marginalized groups.”
Ethiopia’s Agriculture Minister, H.E. Dr. Girma Amente, lauded Ethiopia’s success in integrating CAADP targets into its national agricultural plan, achieving significant production growth and resilience to climate shocks.
Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Uganda’s Agriculture Minister and Chair of the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, called for swift execution. “We must move beyond planning into action. Resilient, technology-driven agricultural systems are key to feeding our continent.”
The summit continues with discussions by Ministers of Foreign Affairs on January 10, culminating in a historic gathering of Heads of State on January 11 to ratify the declaration. This bold strategy positions Africa to combat chronic hunger, reduce food imports, and secure a self-sustaining agricultural future.
