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KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Africa Union-led development of a new 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035 whose vision is to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for a healthy and prosperous Africa, is in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
There were the remarks today by H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Post-Malabo CAADP Agenda during the Joint Ministerial Session of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Agriculture today at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala, Uganda.
“In response to the directive of the Heads of State and Government, the Africa Union has led the development of a new 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035 whose vision is to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for a healthy and prosperous Africa, in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
“The design and preparation of the Kampala CAADP process have resulted from remarkable collaboration among a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical working groups, experts and researchers from African centers of excellence, farmers’ organizations, development partners, parliamentarians, private sector groups, youth groups, and women in agriculture have all played essential roles in shaping this process,” Commissioner Sacko said.
She hailed stakeholders’ collective contributions that have ensured that the approach is inclusive, representative, and grounded in the realities of those most affected by agrifood systems.
Commissioner Sacko said the active involvement of these diverse groups has enriched the dialogue and helped tailor the CAADP framework to the specific needs and aspirations of all Africans, from rural farmers to urban consumers. This inclusive dialogue has strengthened our collective resolve and ensured that the outcomes of this Summit will truly reflect the aspirations and priorities of the continent.
In addition to these valuable contributions, technical and development partners have provided indispensable expertise and financial resources. Their support has been critical in ensuring that our process is not only comprehensive but also feasible and impactful. By pooling our resources and knowledge, we have developed a robust and actionable framework to guide Africa’s agrifood systems transformation in the years ahead.
Under the leadership of Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Chair of the STC of Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment, the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan and the draft Kampala CAADP Declaration were endorsed on October 25, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The two documents were then circulated by the Office of the Secretary to the Commission to all AU Member States in all six AU working languages.
Overall, the 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan aims to boost food production, expand value addition, boost intra-Africa trade, create millions of jobs for our youth and women, build inclusive agrifood value chains, and build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that will withstand shocks and stressors now and in the future. 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 outcomes of the Summit will be the adoption of the draft CAADP Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035, and the draft Kampala CAADP Declaration. The summit will make landmark decisions that will shape Africa’s agrifood systems transformation for the next decade.
In an earlier report, the Nile Post of Uganda quoted Stephen Byantwale, the Commissioner for Crop Protection at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) who said delegates will endorse the draft Kampala CAADP Declaration which provides a vision for transforming Africa’s Agrifood Systems for the period 2026-2035.
“They will also endorse the 10-year CAADP strategy and action plan which provides details on how to achieve the goals and targets in the draft Kampala CAADP Declaration,” Byantwale said.
