Heads of State, Ministers, experts, and key stakeholders from across the continent will convene to deliberate on strategies that could transform Africa's agrifood systems over the next decade.
The summit, jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Government of Uganda, will center on endorsing two cornerstone documents; The Kampala CAADP Declaration and the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035).
These documents outline a vision for agricultural growth that prioritizes inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability, addressing Africa's persistent challenges in food security, climate resilience, and rural development.
As the 2025 targets set by the 2014 Malabo Declaration approach, concerns have emerged that Africa is falling short of its ambitious goals, including eradicating hunger, boosting intra-African trade, and building resilient agricultural systems.
This extraordinary session provides a platform to recalibrate efforts and set the continent on a trajectory toward achieving these aspirations.
On the opening day, Ministers responsible for Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment will convene to review the draft documents. Discussions will then expand on January 10 to include Foreign Ministers, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to Africa's agricultural transformation.
The summit will culminate on January 11 with a high-level assembly of Heads of State and Government, who are expected to officially endorse the documents, solidifying their commitment to Africa's agricultural future.
The Ten-Year CAADP strategy and action plan acknowledges the complexities of the challenges ahead.
Political instability, climate change, health crises, and barriers to gender and youth inclusion are just some of the risks the strategy aims to address.
Proposed solutions include adaptive agricultural policies, enhanced health surveillance systems, peace-building initiatives, and measures to stabilize food prices and bolster household resilience.
At its core, the summit aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 vision of 'An Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.' Agriculture, as the backbone of the continent's economy, is central to this vision.
By improving food security, increasing rural incomes, and fostering economic development, the CAADP agenda has the potential to lift millions out of poverty and ensure Africa can feed its growing population in the face of environmental and economic uncertainties.
Since its inception in 2003, CAADP has played a transformative role in Africa's agricultural landscape. The program's early milestones, guided by the Maputo Declaration, laid the foundation for improved food security and nutrition while reducing rural poverty.
The subsequent Malabo Declaration of 2014 built on this progress, introducing ambitious goals for agricultural trade, resilience, and hunger eradication. However, as highlighted during the African Union Assembly in February 2024, achieving these targets has proven challenging, necessitating this renewed focus through the post-Malabo CAADP agenda.
Uganda's selection as the summit's host underscores its commitment to agricultural development. As a nation with significant investment in agribusiness and rural transformation, Uganda is well-positioned to lead discussions on shaping Africa's agrifood systems.
The country's collaboration with the African Union Commission and development partners ensures that the summit will yield actionable outcomes to guide the continent's agricultural policies for the next decade.
The Extraordinary Summit will also address the importance of inclusivity in agriculture. Women and youth, often marginalized in decision-making processes, will be central to the discussions.
By eliminating barriers and creating opportunities, the CAADP strategy seeks to harness the untapped potential of these groups, driving innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.
As Africa faces pressing challenges from climate change to political instability, the Kampala summit represents a decisive moment. By fostering cooperation and aligning national policies with continental goals, the African Union aims to ensure that agriculture becomes a driving force for sustainable development, economic growth, and resilience.
With its diverse assembly of leaders, experts, and stakeholders, the summit promises to set a transformative agenda for Africa's agricultural future.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/uganda-to-host-the-au-summit-on-agriculture-development
