To enable an agriculture-led development for hunger and poverty eradication, the African Union has launched the Kampala Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme Strategy and Action Plan (2026 – 2035) as part of Agenda 2063 continental initiative
The move was built with the objective of mobilising US$100bn, boost agrifood generation by 45 per cent, triple intra-African trade in farm goods, and cut post-harvest losses in half. The African government will be leading the implementation process, while continental institutions tackle coordination and monitoring as critical stakeholders keep joining with expansion.
"There are key CAADP aspects such as market opening, infrastructure development or pest and disease control that are better managed through inter-country collaboration, hence the need for Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to play the lead role," said Fred Bwino, Minister of State for Agriculture, the Republic of Uganda/Chair of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE).
On his part, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), Moses Vilakati, said that the new CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2036 marks a significant shift towards agrifood systems transformation.
“We recognise that agriculture is not just about production, but about creating a holistic system that encompasses production, processing, distribution, and consumption. It also envisions sustainable and resilient agri-food systems for a healthy and prosperous Africa,” he said.
With nine of the 10 countries from Africa prone to climate change, about 9% of the African Union Member states' national budgets are now dedicated to tackling climate extremes.
South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, emphasised on the urgency of technology adoption which is currently not going at a pace as it should be because of inherent market issues. Rapid digital development can potentially accelerate agricultural growth and productivity while also drawing substantial farm investments.
"The agrifood system requires innovative technologies to adapt suitably to local social conditions and be updated in response to environmental factors, such as the co-evolution of pests and diseases, degradation of water and land resources, and climate change," Steenhuisen said.
The Kampala CAADP Declaration was signed in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the presence of Bwino.
African Union's Kampala CAADP to transform agrifood systems
The Kampala CAADP Declaration was signed in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Image source: African Union)
