The African Union (AU) summit on agriculture is underway in Kampala, Uganda, with African leaders set to adopt a new ten-year strategy for the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP). The program, part of the AU’s Agenda 2063, aims to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty by driving agricultural growth.
The strategy, which will guide CAADP from 2025 to 2035, seeks to enhance food security, promote climate-smart agriculture, and improve economic growth through sustainable agricultural practices. Leaders at the summit have emphasized the importance of addressing challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and youth unemployment.
Many speakers speaking at the summit, described agriculture as “the backbone of Africa’s economy.” calling for greater investment in the sector, highlighting its potential to lift millions out of poverty and ensure food security for the continent.
The summit has also called on African governments to fulfill their commitments under the Malabo Declaration, which requires countries to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture. Delegates are focusing on securing funding from development partners and the private sector to support the strategy’s implementation.
Key priorities of the new CAADP strategy include sustainable farming, enhancing access to markets, empowering youth in agribusiness, and strengthening regional food systems through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The adoption of the strategy is expected to transform Africa’s agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable development and advancing the continent’s aspirations under Agenda 2063.
