The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Programme (CAADP) Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government is underway at Munyonyo Resort in Kampala, Uganda, bringing together key decision-makers to address Africa’s pressing agricultural challenges.
Zimbabwe is represented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, on behalf of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In his opening address, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the urgency of addressing Africa’s agricultural crisis, describing the continent as a “superpower” rich in natural resources and intellectual brilliance. President Museveni called upon African leaders to devise strategies that enhance food security, foster economic growth, and uplift livelihoods across the continent.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Musa Faki Mahamat, reinforced the call for action, highlighting the importance of reducing rural poverty, creating employment, and driving economic development while safeguarding the environment. Since its inception in 2003, CAADP has played a pivotal role in transforming agriculture across Africa, but the continent is facing significant challenges in meeting its goals.
During the African Union’s 2024 37th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government, concerns were raised about Africa’s progress toward achieving the Malabo CAADP targets by 2025. These targets include eradicating hunger, reducing malnutrition, tripling intra-Africa trade, and building resilience in livelihoods and production systems. Mutual accountability, underscored by agricultural biennial reviews, has been crucial in monitoring progress, but leaders acknowledge that more needs to be done.
The summit in Kampala is expected to chart the way forward with the development of a post-Malabo CAADP agenda, aimed at building resilient agro-food systems to secure sustainable economic growth. Central to the discussions is a draft ten-year CAADP strategy and action plan, along with the proposed Kampala Declaration on advancing Africa’s inclusive agro-systems transformation.
As the summit progresses, African leaders are expected to focus on actionable solutions that address infrastructure, rural development, and inclusive agricultural practices.
With its emphasis on collaboration and innovation, the Kampala meeting represents a critical step toward unlocking the full potential of Africa’s agricultural sector and ensuring a prosperous future for the continent.
