The event, centered on advancing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026â€"2035, underscored the urgent need to pivot toward self-reliance in food production.
Uganda's Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, set the tone by highlighting Africa's paradoxical reliance on food imports despite its abundant natural resources. Her call to action was that Africa must harness its potential and invest in its agricultural systems to break this cycle of dependency.
"Our continent spends billions annually importing food while sitting on fertile soils and vast arable lands. This is a contradiction we can no longer afford and innovative solutions must be adopted to transform Africa's agricultural sector," she remarked.
Ministers explored avenues for enhancing agricultural productivity, such as policy reforms, research investment, and the adoption of climate-resilient practices. Emphasis was placed on mechanization, irrigation, and value addition to agricultural products as means of creating sustainable food systems.
Nabbanja also underscored the need for regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which she described as a "catalyst for intra-African trade and cooperation."
Discussions also revisited lessons from the 2023 CAADP review, which revealed persistent challenges in achieving food security and sustainability. Ministers were urged to align their strategies with the Kampala CAADP Agenda, a blueprint for fostering innovation and climate adaptability in agriculture.
Particular focus was given to breaking trade barriers that hinder regional agricultural markets, enabling nations to capitalize on their strengths and share resources effectively. The summit's resolutions aim to redefine Africa's agricultural priorities, emphasizing food security, increased productivity, and regional cooperation.
These strategies, once refined, will be presented to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for adoption. The hope is that these efforts will serve as a turning point for a continent poised to feed not only itself but also the world.
Sam K Nkurunziza
