African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has called on African governments to make agriculture a real priority sector as leaders on the continent adopt a new strategy for the development of food systems.

Over 2000 delegates, including heads of state and governments from across the continent, concluded the Extraordinary Summit on the Post Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda, on Saturday.

The summit adopted the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) to guide the transformation of the agricultural sector over the next 10 years, along with the accompanying consensus document known as the Kampala Declaration 2025.

“We must put the hoe in the museum and, at the same time, invest in the acquisition of appropriate means of agricultural production (mechanization, digitalization, soil enrichment, etc.), to be used in compliance with environmental balances and with a constant concern for adaptation to climate change,” the chairperson said.

“I would like to emphasize the crucial role of the private sector in promoting agro-industry as well as our substantial expectations of the benefits of the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he added.

Over the past 20 years, CAADP has been the cornerstone framework for driving agricultural transformation across Africa. Launched in 2003 following the Maputo Declaration and reaffirmed in 2014 with the Malabo Declaration, CAADP has contributed to increasing agricultural GDP, higher average incomes, enhanced agricultural output, expanded agricultural trade, greater investments, and reduction in hunger and poverty.

The Malabo Declaration expired at the end of 2024 after 10 years, and the Kampala Declaration has succeeded it.

The newly adopted strategy emphasises a food systems approach to address Africa’s complex agricultural needs, focusing on agro-processing, post-production, and resilience against climate shocks.

It prioritizes inclusivity with a special focus on empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups to access resources and opportunities.

The strategy is expected to improve food security, reduce food imports, drive economic growth, and promote sustainable development.

It also aims to achieve critical food system transformation goals by enhancing agricultural input systems, improving access to quality seeds, animal feed, and fertilizers, and promoting sustainable growth through industrialisation.

It will also tackle the dual challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity through increased access to land for women, youth, and marginalized groups, alongside diversifying income sources and promoting sustainable natural resource management and social protection.

The plan introduces innovative financing models, such as blended finance and agricultural bonds, to attract and secure additional funding for sustainable development and tackling the climate challenge.

It advocates for effective coordination among governments, regional bodies, financial institutions, and the private sector to create an enabling environment that encourages investment. It also promotes safeguards to address ongoing crises - such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and global economic pressures.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni called for value addition to agricultural products to ensure the vertical integration of the sector from the garden to the table and from the farm to the wardrobe for clothes and shoes.

“How can you say that you are promoting tourism, when all the food the tourists eat, is being imported?” he quizzed. President Museveni said there was a need for scientific research to ensure quality improved seeds that provide higher yields and are disease and drought-resistant, reach farmers.

Kenyan President William Ruto also told the summit that African countries must collaborate to build resilient food systems by investing in infrastructure, fostering innovation and adopting technology.

“The objective is to end hunger in the continent, ensure access to nutritious food, promote sustainable practices that safeguard the planet's future and position agriculture as a driver of jobs and prosperity,” he said.

More details on CAADP 2026 – 2035 strategy
The CAADP 2026 – 2035 strategy calls for the strengthening of input systems, including seed systems, fertilizer, water, and extension services, as well as the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

It additionally calls for the creation of an enabling policy and regulatory environment for emerging technologies, AI, digitalization, and the development of precision agriculture.

It additionally calls for the stimulation of growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of agro-industrial enterprises, with a focus on SMEs.

It calls for the integration of smallholder farmers, women, and youth into value chains and regional markets, as well as the adoption of affirmative procurement and trade policies that integrate women and youth into local, national, regional, and international markets.

The strategy will also help develop and integrate value chains to stimulate value addition along entire value chains, as well as strengthen market access and trade facilitation through policy reforms.

Implementation of the outlined strategies will yield several key outputs, including frameworks, policies, plans, programs, and regulations at local, national, regional, and continental levels.