AU Extraordinary Summit in Uganda to boost Africa’s agricultural transformation and food systems
Africa’s food security remains a pressing challenge, exacerbated by climate change, conflicts, rapid population growth, and economic disruptions. Over 280 million Africans suffer from chronic hunger while food systems struggle to meet rising demands.
Currently, agriculture ministers from the African Union’s 55 member states are meeting in Kampala, Uganda for a three-day Extraordinary Summit.
Key among the discussions being held include the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan, set to run from 2026- 2035, that has been under development over the last 10 months, following directives from the African Heads of State and Government.
The CAAD Strategy and Action Plan aims to leverage resources for driving economic growth and enhancing food security.
Speaking during the opening of the ministerial meeting on Thursday, Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja highlighted the incentives Africa has in transforming its food systems.
“This session of the Summit should come up with concrete proposals on how Africa can come out of such an undesirable situation. For us to guarantee our future as Africans, we must feed ourselves”, she said.
Aside from boosting food production, the CAADP strategy will also create millions of jobs for the youth in the agrifood sector.
”Furthermore, we are dedicated to strengthening governance through evidence-based decision-making and enhancing accountability among all stakeholders. Inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of our approach; we will ensure that women, youth, and marginalized groups have access to resources, thereby facilitating their equitable participation in the agrifood sector, ” the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko said.
The summit which concludes will culminate in the adoption of the Kampala Declaration, and a landmark ten-year strategy and action plan, to boost the implementation of the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods, adopted in 2014.
