Historic Summit to Address Challenges of Food Security
Ministers of Agriculture for the 55 member states of the African Union have gathered in Kampala, Uganda, for a three-day Extraordinary Summit to plot a new course toward food security. The summit will adopt what is called the Kampala Declaration, which shall lead the implementation of the transformative ten-year strategy that will propel agricultural growth toward improved livelihoods and food security on the continent.

The discussions will, however, feature the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, an elaborated roadmap that spells out a pathway to transforming Africa’s agri-food systems. This strategy was developed over a period of ten months, drawing contributions from farmers, private sector leaders, youth, and women. It aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 in the quest for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Call to Action on Agriculture and Food Security

Opening the summit, Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, outlined the large agriculture potential Africa was endowed with yet is shamefully reliant on heavy imports at value worth USD 100 billion per annum against those ample resources. “

“This summit should ensure tangible decisions on ways for Africa to feed itself through its efforts for sustainability,” Nabbanja demanded concrete means as the road toward making meaningful expressions of this already enriched African agri-muscle relevant.

Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems

H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, reminded participants of the transformative goals of the CAADP strategy: increased food production, value addition, job creation, and climate-resilient agri-food systems.

“Empowering marginalised groups, women, and youth is critical in achieving inclusive growth in Africa’s agriculture sector,” Sacko noted, emphasizing a call for equitable access to resources.

The CAADP strategy is designed to tackle critical challenges such as climate change, food waste, and inadequate infrastructure. It promotes climate-smart agriculture, regional trade, and sustainable practices to meet rising food demands while reducing dependence on imports.

Ethiopia Leads by Example

Success stories were also shared by the Minister of Agriculture for Ethiopia, H.E. Dr. Girma Amente, where the country has successfully integrated the CAADP framework into its National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP).

“Increased public agricultural investments by Ethiopia have, over time, generated sustained growth in both crop yields and livestock production and also promoted resilience to climate shock,” he elucidated, painting a picture of what well-implemented agricultural policy can deliver.

Uganda Calls for Faster Implementation

The Minister of Agriculture in Uganda, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, who led the drafting of this CAADP strategy, called for action now.

“We need to move from planning into implementation. Adoption of technology, agro-industrialization, and climate-resilient practices will actually change the course of life for our people,” insisted Tumwebaze. His statement captured the urgency that needed to occur if the ambitious goals of the strategy were going to be realistic.

The Way Forward: Commitments and Action Plans

This will be followed by deliberations of African Union Ministers of Foreign Affairs on January 10 and culminate into a high-level meeting of Heads of State and Government on January 11, where further commitments will be consolidated into actionable steps toward a food-secure Africa.

The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035 places a sharp focus on innovation, partnership, and leading the charge on smallholder farming for agricultural growth. Through leveraged investments and regional cooperation, the plan endeavors to make Africa food self-sufficient and at the same time enhance the pace of its economic development.

A Hunger-Free Africa, a Vision

Africa is facing serious food security challenges, with more than 280 million people suffering from chronic hunger. The Kampala summit represents a very important opportunity to address these issues head-on and ensure that the agricultural potential of Africa translates into tangible benefits for its people.

At the close of discussions, it is expected that the Kampala Declaration will mark perhaps a turning point in mobilizing resources and political will to transform the food systems of Africa.

With strong leadership and an attitude toward innovation, Africa can more likely achieve a no-hunger future.