Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
The summit held from January 9 to 11, 2025, in Kampala, Uganda, brought together Agriculture Ministers from all 55 African Union (AU) member states to chart a new course for the continent’s agricultural future. Focused on boosting productivity, increasing public investment, and driving economic growth through agriculture-led initiatives, the gathering aimed to address two pressing issues: eradicating hunger and combating rising poverty levels across Africa.
Despite the continent’s vast agricultural potential, many African nations continue to rely heavily on imports of basic commodities that could be produced domestically. Discussions at the ministerial level have often sidestepped import substitution policies in favor of approving substantial budgets for agricultural imports, reflecting a preference for short-term fixes over long-term solutions.
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the AU’s flagship initiative under Agenda 2063, was a focal point of the summit. Launched in 2003 through the Maputo Declaration and reaffirmed in the 2014 Malabo Declaration, CAADP represents Africa’s most ambitious agricultural reform, designed to achieve food security and reduce poverty. The latest 10-year strategy, set to run from 2026 to 2035, seeks to build climate-resilient agriculture, improve infrastructure, reduce food waste, and enhance regional trade.
Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda’s Prime Minister, highlighted the paradox of Africa’s fertile lands and $100 billion annual food import bill. “To secure our future as Africans, we must take responsibility for feeding ourselves,” she urged, calling for actionable strategies to harness Africa’s resources and reduce reliance on imports.
Ambassador Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. The proposed initiatives aim to enhance value addition, promote intra-Africa trade, and generate employment, particularly for women and youth. Sacko also stressed the need for equitable resource access and stronger governance through data-driven decision-making and improved accountability.
Countries like Ethiopia have already begun aligning their national policies with CAADP’s objectives. Dr. Girma Amente, Ethiopia’s Agriculture Minister, shared how the country’s National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP) has boosted public agricultural investment, achieving CAADP’s annual 6% growth target and improving food and livestock production.
Frank Tumwebaze, Uganda’s Agriculture Minister, called for swift action following the summit. “With the planning phase complete, it is time to execute,” he said, advocating for advances in agricultural technology, climate-resilient farming systems, and agro-industrialization to drive transformation.
However, despite the comprehensive planning, the Kampala summit struggled to move beyond high-level rhetoric. Africa’s reliance on food imports persists, signaling reluctance among governments to invest in domestic agricultural systems and disrupt the status quo.
While the 10-year strategy presents an opportunity to transform Africa’s agrifood sector, its success hinges on immediate, unified action and measurable accountability. Without these, the continent risks squandering another chance to achieve sustainable food security and economic self-reliance, leaving millions vulnerable to hunger and poverty.
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