South Africa: The African Union Commission has officially launched the Comprehensive African Agricultural Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035, alongside the Kampala Declaration, in a significant ceremony held in South Africa. This initiative is set to revolutionize Africa’s food systems, with ambitious goals that include mobilizing 100 billion USD, boosting output by 45 percent, tripling intra-African trade, and halving post-harvest losses. It marks a vital step towards achieving food security, economic growth, and a resilient future for the continent.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Moses Vilakati, AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), expressed optimism during the launch, stating that a seed of hope has been planted in Africa’s agricultural landscape. Vilakati emphasized the symbolic transformation of the agriculture sector and the prosperity of the African people, drawing a parallel with the journey from the Maputo and Malabo Declarations to the current Kampala Declaration and the newly launched CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2036.
Vilakati acknowledged the challenges encountered, such as budgetary constraints and weak infrastructure, but praised the resilience and commitment of African Union Member States to CAADP. He noted that although the Malabo Commitments’ targets have not been fully achieved, progress has been commendable, and there is gratitude for the fortitude shown by member states in striving for food self-sufficiency.
The new CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2036 represents a significant shift towards transforming agrifood systems. Vilakati highlighted that agriculture should be viewed as a holistic system encompassing production, processing, distribution, and consumption, with a focus on creating sustainable and resilient agri-food systems for a prosperous Africa.
This strategic document offers a framework for driving nature-positive agricultural production systems, supporting ecosystem restoration, and enhancing biodiversity. With Africa being home to nine of the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, Vilakati pointed out that member states are already allocating up to 9 percent of their national budgets to address climate extremes.
In conclusion, Moses Vilakati urged member states to support the domestication of the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) through increased budgetary allocations, reinforcing the continent’s journey towards a resilient and self-reliant agricultural future.