This article discusses Africa’s ambitious plan to transform its agricultural sector, as outlined in the Kampala Declaration and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). African leaders have committed to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agrifood systems.

The Kampala Declaration, endorsed at an African Union summit in Kampala, Uganda, from January 9th to 11th, 2025, sets a 10-year strategy (2026-2035) to increase food output by 45%, halve post-harvest losses, and raise the share of locally processed food to 35% of the agrifood sector GDP. To achieve this, African leaders have pledged to mobilize $100 billion in public and private sector investment over the next decade. The goals include ending hunger, reducing malnutrition by 25%, boosting intra-African trade, advancing inclusivity, and protecting households from shocks. The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is tasked with leading the implementation of the Kampala Declaration, supporting member states in aligning it with their national plans.

Since its inception in 2003, CAADP has been instrumental in driving agricultural transformation across Africa. The 2014 Malabo Declaration reinforced these commitments, setting ambitious goals for 2025, including eradicating hunger and tripling intra-African agricultural trade. CAADP has led to the development of robust agricultural policies and plans, resulting in significant progress in economic and agricultural growth, poverty reduction, and increased agricultural trade and public investments. Public expenditure on agriculture increased from $10.7 billion in 2000 to $17 billion in 2021. Intra-African agricultural trade rose by 175% between 2003 and 2021, reaching $14.9 billion.

Despite these achievements, progress towards the Malabo targets has been insufficient. The new CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) envisions sustainable and resilient agrifood systems, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions. It focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, harnessing technology, and diversifying economies through value-added activities. ¹ The strategy outlines six strategic objectives: intensifying sustainable food production, agro-industrialization, and trade; boosting investment and financing; ensuring food and nutrition security; advancing inclusivity; building resilient agrifood systems; and strengthening agrifood systems governance.   

The Kampala Declaration builds on the lessons of the Malabo Declaration, emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate implementation while maintaining continuity. Strengthening institutional and human capacities, including at AUDA-NEPAD, is crucial. A proposed special fund aims to mobilize resources for implementation. Improving knowledge management and accountability mechanisms, such as the CAADP biennial review process, is also essential for tracking progress.

AUDA-NEPAD has initiated the development of a roadmap for domesticating the Kampala Declaration, engaging with member states to provide technical support and coordination. Some member states have already requested support in aligning their national agricultural investment plans with the Kampala Agenda. As 2025 marks a transition, efforts are focused on accelerating progress and opening a new chapter for the Kampala CAADP agenda.

Reference: African Business