Johannesburg, South Africa – May 5, 2025
By Baboloki Semele: The African Union today officially launched the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) alongside the Kampala Declaration, in a significant step toward the continent’s transformation of agrifood systems. The high-level event was hosted by the Republic of South Africa and presided over by H.E. Moses Vilakati, newly appointed AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.
Speaking at the launch, Commissioner Vilakati described the moment as historic and transformative, following the adoption of the CAADP Strategy and Kampala Declaration by African Heads of State at the AU Extraordinary Summit held in Kampala, Uganda in January 2025.
“A seed of hope has been planted in the fertile soil of Africa’s agricultural landscape,” said Vilakati. “Today, we gather to nurture this seed into a bountiful harvest, symbolizing the transformation of our agriculture sector and the prosperity of our people.”
The strategy represents a major shift from previous declarations from Maputo to Malabo and now embraces a more inclusive, climate-responsive, and innovation-driven agenda.
A Vision for a Prosperous, Self-Sufficient Africa
The CAADP 2026–2035 Strategy and Action Plan places agrifood systems transformation at the heart of Africa’s growth. Commissioner Vilakati emphasized that agriculture must be viewed beyond food production to encompass processing, distribution, nutrition, sustainability, and job creation.
“The strategy envisions sustainable and resilient agri-food systems for a healthy and prosperous Africa,” he said.
In his remarks, Vilakati lauded the resilience of AU Member States despite past challenges including budgetary constraints, weak infrastructure, and the lingering effects of global pandemics. While the goals set by the Malabo Commitments remain partially unmet, African countries have shown steadfast commitment to CAADP’s vision for food self-sufficiency.
Addressing Climate Change, Unemployment & Inequality
With Africa being home to nine of the ten most climate-vulnerable countries, the strategy urges integrated, nature-positive agricultural systems. Vilakati underscored the urgency of climate action, noting that some AU Member States are already allocating up to 9% of their national budgets toward climate-related challenges. The strategy also aims to address biodiversity loss, gender inequality, youth unemployment, food insecurity, and emerging diseases by promoting smart agriculture, digitalization, and innovative financing mechanisms. It integrates livestock, crop systems, and cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence to modernize African agriculture.
A Call for Commitment and Domestication
Commissioner Vilakati issued a passionate call to Member States to domesticate and implement the strategy through increased budgetary commitments and national ownership.
“Let us build windmills, harnessing the power of agrifood systems transformation to drive our development and prosperity,” he urged.
He also commended development partners, including the Development Partners Coordination Group and the private sector, for their continued support of Africa’s agricultural agenda. Commissioner Vilakati extended appreciation to the Government of South Africa for hosting the landmark launch event and reaffirmed the African Union’s dedication to realizing “The Africa We Want” a continent that is food secure, economically vibrant, and environmentally resilient.
“Together, we can make Africa’s agriculture sector a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.”
Commissioner Vilakati called on all AU Member States to domesticate the strategy aligning it with national priorities and allocating the resources needed to make it work. He applauded development partners, the private sector, and civil society actors who have stood shoulder to shoulder with Africa’s agricultural agenda, emphasizing that the launch means the real work begins and as much as the strategy will provide the roadmap, it will be up to all; governments, farmers, youth, investors, and activists to walk the path.