Uganda Set to Host Landmark AU African Agricultural Summit on on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)
In a significant move toward advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation, Uganda is preparing to host the Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) from January 9-11, 2025, at the Speke Resort Conference Centre in Kampala.
The official preparations for this historic summit were launched on December 19, 2024, in a high-level meeting attended by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, and the AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, H.E. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko.
Summit Highlights
- Adoption of the new CAADP framework, setting the stage for agricultural transformation across the continent
- Historic signing of the Kampala Declaration by African heads of state
- Participation of over 2,000 delegates, including heads of state, ministers, and key agricultural stakeholders
- Deliberation on the CAADP Ten-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035)
Under the theme “Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Africa,” the summit marks a crucial moment in Africa’s agricultural development journey. The three-day event will bring together African Union Heads of State and Government, ministers, and key stakeholders to deliberate on transformative agricultural policies and strategies for the continent.
A key highlight of the summit will be the consideration of the Kampala Declaration and the CAADP Ten-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035). These groundbreaking documents are set to chart the course for Africa’s agricultural transformation over the next decade, with a focus on building resilient agri-food systems for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.
The summit comes at a critical time when African nations are seeking to address pressing challenges in food security and agricultural sustainability. According to recent assessments, the continent is currently not on track to meet the Malabo Declaration goals set for 2025, which called for 6% annual growth in the agricultural sector and allocation of 10% of national budgets to agriculture.
The comprehensive agenda includes discussions on the draft Statute of Africa Food Safety Agency and the selection of African Union Centres of Excellence for Research and Training in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation. These initiatives demonstrate Africa’s commitment to developing robust institutional frameworks for agricultural advancement.
Uganda’s role as host nation underscores its leadership in promoting agricultural transformation and food security in Africa. The summit is expected to foster stronger collaboration among African nations in addressing land degradation, enhancing agricultural productivity, and building climate-resilient food systems.
The gathering of over 2,000 delegates, including heads of state, ministers, experts, youth representatives, women leaders, and various stakeholders, underscores the continental commitment to agricultural transformation. This unprecedented attendance level reflects the summit’s importance in shaping Africa’s agricultural future.
The event will begin with ministerial meetings on January 9th, followed by joint sessions with Foreign Affairs ministers on January 10th, culminating in the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on January 11th. This structured approach ensures thorough deliberation and comprehensive input from all stakeholders before final endorsements are made.
For more information about this landmark summit and its objectives, interested parties can contact Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development Directorate at the African Union Commission, or the AUC implementing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) on X @AUC_CAADP
Source: MOFA, MAAIF, and African Union
