African Union set to gather in Kampala to shape agriculture’s future

Published January 8, 2025

UGANDA – The African Union Commission is hosting an Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda, from January 9 to 11, 2025.

This gathering marks a critical step in refining strategies for agricultural growth and sustainability across the continent.

The summit aims to adopt a new 10-year strategy and action plan for 2026-2035. This initiative is set to strengthen Africa’s agri-food systems, promoting agricultural transformation and improving livelihoods.

High-ranking officials, including heads of state and ministers, are expected to attend, signaling the importance of this agenda.

“The upcoming strategy will not only address food security but also tackle rural poverty and environmental concerns,” said an official from the African Union.

“It is essential to ensure that agriculture continues to contribute meaningfully to economic development while meeting the needs of a growing population.”

CAADP, launched in 2003, has been instrumental in driving agricultural progress on the continent. The program has set ambitious targets, including a 6% annual growth rate in agriculture and a commitment by member states to allocate at least 10% of national budgets to the sector.

Key issues on the table

The summit’s program includes meetings involving ministers responsible for agriculture, rural development, water, and the environment. A joint session with foreign affairs ministers will pave the way for discussions among heads of state.

Uganda, the host nation, has made notable strides in agriculture, particularly in fresh produce. With an anticipated annual growth rate of 9.76% between 2025 and 2029, the fresh vegetable market is expected to reach a volume of USD 2.83 billion by 2029.

This growth highlights the sector’s potential and underscores the need for robust systems to support it.

In line with these goals, Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries has implemented the National Food and Agricultural Statistics System (NFASS).

This tool provides accurate data to inform policies and strategies. Officials believe that such systems are vital for understanding the current state of production and planning for the future.

“This platform ensures we have the information necessary to make sound decisions,” a Ugandan official remarked. “It is a game-changer in aligning national and regional goals.”