Kampala, Uganda: The African Union will host an Extraordinary Summit in Kampala from 9th to 11th January 2025 to chart a new course for African agriculture. The summit, supported by the Ugandan government, aims to endorse the “Kampala Declaration,” a blueprint for transforming Africa’s agri-food systems over the next decade.
This crucial gathering, organized by the African Union Commission and AUDA-NEPAD, will see African leaders deliberate on the post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) strategy. The Malabo Declaration, adopted in 2014, set ambitious goals for African agriculture, including eradicating hunger and tripling intra-African trade. However, recent assessments have revealed that the continent is off track to meet these targets by 2025.
The Kampala Declaration will provide a new vision for the sector, outlining strategies to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable agricultural growth. A key focus will be on building resilience to external shocks, such as climate change, pandemics, and economic instability.
“The post-Malabo CAADP strategy must be agile and adaptable to address the complexities of the 21st century,” says Kester Kenn Klomegah, an independent researcher and a policy consultant on African affairs. “This includes identifying and mitigating risks, such as political instability and climate change, while ensuring that women and youth have equal access to resources and opportunities within the agricultural sector.”
The summit will also see the endorsement of a ten-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035), outlining the specific steps needed to achieve the goals outlined in the Kampala Declaration. This plan will emphasize the importance of peace and security, as well as access to finance and markets, for the sustainable development of African agriculture.
The summit will commence with a one-day meeting of Ministers responsible for Agriculture, followed by a joint session with Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The Heads of State and Government will convene on the final day to formally endorse the key decisions.
The Kampala Summit represents a critical juncture for African agriculture. By charting a new course for the sector, African leaders aim to unlock the continent’s agricultural potential, enhance food security, and drive inclusive economic growth.
