Kampala, Uganda: The African Union has embarked on an ambitious new journey to transform its agri-food systems, adopting a 10-year strategy aimed at boosting agricultural output by 45% by 2035. The decision, reached at an extraordinary summit in Kampala, marks a pivotal moment in the continent’s quest for food security and economic prosperity.
The Kampala Declaration, adopted by 55 African heads of state and government, outlines six key commitments aimed at strengthening the continent’s agri-food systems. Recognizing the looming challenges of a rapidly growing population, the leaders pledged to intensify sustainable food production, accelerate agro-industrialization, and significantly boost intra-African trade in agricultural products.
“This Africa of having no food and begging is not the real Africa,” declared Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, urging fellow leaders to prioritize value addition and dismantle trade barriers that hinder agricultural progress. “Adding value to agricultural products ensures vertical integration in the agricultural sector—from the garden to the table and from the farm to the wardrobe.”
The new strategy, which replaces the previous Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), aims to address the shortcomings of past efforts. While progress has been made, the AU acknowledged that the pace of change has been insufficient.
“The various biennial evaluations…certainly show progress towards achieving the set objectives, but at an unsatisfactory pace,” said AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The Kampala Declaration, however, offers a renewed sense of optimism. It provides a comprehensive roadmap with clear objectives, targets, and a focus on inclusive participation.
“We now have a clear roadmap, a theory of change that outlines the pathway to transformation,” said Amb. Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.
The strategy emphasizes the need to reduce post-harvest losses by 50%, triple intra-African trade in agri-food products and inputs, and increase the share of locally processed food to 35% of agri-food GDP by 2035.
The summit also highlighted the critical role of international partnerships. Ms. Bjørg Sandkjær, Norway’s State Minister and representative of development partners, commended the African Union’s bold vision, emphasizing its alignment with the continent’s broader aspirations for prosperity and inclusive development.
The success of this ambitious plan will depend on strong political will, effective implementation, and continued collaboration among African nations. However, the Kampala Declaration provides a crucial framework for transforming Africa’s agri-food systems, unlocking the continent’s agricultural potential, and ensuring a food-secure and prosperous future for all Africans.
The Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) is a flagship initiative of the African Union aimed at driving agricultural transformation across the continent. Launched in 2003, it seeks to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth through agriculture-led development.
