Transformation of Africa Agrifood Systems Takes Centre Stage at CAADP Kampala Summit

The African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) summit has kicked off in Kampala, Uganda, with a call to action to transform Africa’s agrifood systems. The summit brings together African leaders, ministers of agriculture, and stakeholders to discuss the future of agriculture in Africa.

In her opening remarks, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja emphasized the importance of agriculture in Africa’s development.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economies, and it is imperative that we prioritize its development,” she said. Nabbanja also highlighted the need for Africa to reduce its reliance on food imports, saying, “We must position the continent in such a manner that our agricultural sector is resilient to climate change as well as other shocks.”

Nabbanja added that there is need to mobilize the African population for Production, productivity, and profitability.

She also called for the removal of trade barriers and take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is about 1.5 billion people, COMESA, ECOWAS, and the EAC.

“As Africa we must remain focused to the fact that regional trade has the potential to back regional and national development and that it can lead to greater economic and political cooperation,” she said.

Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, echoed Nabbanja’s sentiments, stating that the summit marked a critical turning point in Africa’s agricultural development.

“We must be in implementation and execution mode now to achieve our set targets…We need to focus on advancements in technological research and practices, building agricultural systems that are resilient to climate change and other shocks.”

Tumwebaze also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, saying, “We need to expedite the process of establishing Regional Animal Resource Seed Centers of Excellence.”

He also urged participants to prepare for full-scale implementation of the CAADP agenda at national, regional, and continental levels.

During the summit, Member States will consider and adopt the post-Malabo CAADP Agenda, henceforth to be known as the Kampala CAADP Declaration. They will also endorse the draft CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035.

African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Sacko, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and collective action.

“We must ensure that women, youth, and marginalized groups have access to resources, thereby facilitating their equitable participation in the agrifood sector.”