The African Union (AU) is set to adopt the Kampala Declaration, marking a significant step towards implementing a 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan. The initiative aims to accelerate the Malabo Declaration’s objectives of achieving agricultural growth, food security, and improved livelihoods across Africa.
During a three-day Extraordinary Summit in Kampala, Uganda, AU Ministers of Agriculture launched the strategy, set to run from 2026 to 2035. Developed over 10 months, the plan involves contributions from various stakeholders, including regional economic communities, researchers, farmers’ organizations, and youth groups. It aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2021 African Common Position to the UN Food Systems Summit.
The CAADP Strategy focuses on fostering climate-resilient agriculture, reducing food waste, improving infrastructure, and enhancing regional trade. By leveraging resources and partnerships, the AU seeks to address chronic hunger, which affects over 280 million Africans, and reduce the continent’s dependence on food imports, currently costing up to USD 100 billion annually.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja of Uganda emphasized Africa’s vast agricultural potential and called for actionable proposals to achieve self-reliance in food production. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, noted that the strategy aims to boost food production, create jobs for youth and women, and build inclusive, sustainable agrifood systems.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Girma Amente, highlighted Ethiopia’s success in integrating CAADP into its National Agricultural Investment Plan, achieving consistent agricultural growth. Uganda’s Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who chaired the drafting of the CAADP Strategy, stressed the importance of moving from planning to implementation.
The summit concludes on January 11 with Heads of State and Government expected to endorse the strategy. This milestone reflects Africa’s determination to transform its agriculture and food systems for a prosperous and resilient future.
