Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural transformation at the Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), held in Kampala, Uganda, from January 9–11, 2025. The summit brought together high-level representatives from various African nations to discuss the future of agricultural development, food security, and regional cooperation across the continent. Somalia’s delegation, led by Foreign Minister Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, included Permanent Secretary Hamza Haadow and Somalia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Fardosa Mohamed Kanyare.
The discussions centered on the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) and the Kampala CAADP Declaration, which outline the vision and actions needed to achieve agricultural transformation and food security across Africa. The summit highlighted the importance of agricultural development as a key driver of economic growth, poverty reduction, and food security, particularly in rural areas.
Ambassador Fiqi emphasized the critical role of agriculture in Somalia’s economic recovery. He highlighted that agriculture is the backbone of the Somali economy, providing livelihoods for the majority of the population. The minister pointed out that Somalia’s agricultural sector, which has faced numerous challenges due to years of conflict, climate change, and insufficient investment, needs revitalization to support the country’s broader economic development goals.
The Somali delegation underscored the importance of inclusive and sustainable policies that address food insecurity and support rural livelihoods. Ambassador Fiqi noted that while Somalia has made strides in improving agricultural productivity and food security, there is still much work to be done. The government is committed to creating policies that foster agricultural growth, enhance food security, and promote resilience in the face of climate change.
One of the key themes of the summit was regional cooperation, and Somalia’s representatives stressed the need for stronger collaboration among African nations to address shared challenges in agriculture. The country’s leadership recognizes that agricultural transformation cannot be achieved in isolation, and regional partnerships are essential for tackling issues such as food insecurity, access to markets, and sustainable farming practices. Somalia is committed to working with neighboring countries and regional organizations to enhance agricultural productivity and build a more resilient agricultural sector across the Horn of Africa.
The summit concluded with the endorsement of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. This plan is seen as a roadmap for the future of agriculture in Africa, focusing on improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The strategy also emphasizes the need for increased investment in agriculture, both from public and private sectors, as well as the importance of strengthening agricultural research and technology.
Somalia’s participation in the summit underscores its dedication to leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and stability. By reaffirming its commitment to the CAADP framework, Somalia aims to contribute to the continent’s collective efforts to transform agriculture, enhance food security, and foster economic development. The country’s engagement in the summit reflects its broader vision of building a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector that can support its population and contribute to regional stability and growth.
