HISTORIC SUMMIT IN KAMPALA CHARTS A BOLD FUTURE FOR AFRICAN AGRICULTURE

By EcoNewsDigital

KAMPALA, UGANDA — JANUARY 11, 2025

African heads of state and government convened in Kampala on January 11, 2025, for a pivotal summit that could reshape the continent’s agricultural future. Leaders adopted a 10-year strategy for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and signed the Kampala Declaration, an ambitious consensus document aimed at mobilizing $100 billion in public and private investments over the next decade.

The gathering marked a renewed commitment to transforming agriculture into a powerful engine for economic growth, food security, and environmental resilience. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

MUSEVENI CALLS FOR SELF-RELIANCE

Opening the summit, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni set the tone with a rallying call for Africa to harness its untapped agricultural potential:
“Africa’s resources are abundant, yet underutilized. We cannot rely on others to solve our problems. This strategy gives us a chance to take charge of our future, build self-reliance, and turn agriculture into a driver of prosperity for our people.”

Museveni emphasized the need for modern technology and infrastructure to overcome systemic challenges, urging governments and private investors to collaborate in addressing climate change, supply chain inefficiencies, and food insecurity.

A STRATEGY FOR AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

The newly adopted CAADP strategy lays out a comprehensive roadmap to tackle the challenges plaguing African agriculture. It prioritizes increasing productivity, modernizing farming practices, and ensuring equitable access to resources like water, land, and markets.

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Supporting sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• Infrastructure Development: Building roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities to strengthen supply chains.
• Technology and Innovation: Leveraging digital tools and research to boost yields and efficiency.
• Inclusivity and Equity: Empowering women and youth as key players in the agricultural economy.

Dr. Amina Mbale, an agricultural economist attending the summit, underscored the strategy’s significance:
“This plan reflects Africa’s ability to solve its own problems. The combination of financial commitments and innovative policies will transform millions of lives and set the stage for a thriving agricultural sector.”

A $100 BILLION INVESTMENT PLAN

At the heart of the Kampala Declaration is a bold plan to raise $100 billion over the next decade, drawing on a mix of public funds, private sector investments, and international partnerships. These resources will be directed toward:

• Reducing post-harvest losses.
• Scaling climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Building infrastructure to facilitate market access.
• Supporting research and development in agricultural technology.

The scale of the financial commitment reflects the gravity of the challenges ahead, as well as the continent’s determination to overcome them.

GLOBAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The summit also attracted international attention, with key partners, including the United Nations and the World Bank, pledging their support. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, addressing the gathering virtually, hailed the initiative as a model for regional cooperation:
“The Kampala Declaration is a bold and forward-looking plan. The world must stand with Africa as it seeks to secure food systems, uplift rural communities, and combat the impacts of climate change.”

African leaders pledged to monitor progress through regular reviews, ensuring transparency and accountability in implementing the strategy. Member states agreed to align national agricultural policies with the CAADP framework to foster regional integration and collaboration.

A NEW ERA FOR AFRICAN AGRICULTURE

As the summit concluded, the atmosphere was charged with hope and determination. The Kampala Declaration represents more than a policy framework—it is a call to action, a blueprint for progress, and a promise to Africa’s farmers and future generations.

By aligning vision, investment, and collaboration, African leaders are taking decisive steps to ensure the continent’s agricultural renaissance. With the 10-year CAADP strategy in place, Africa stands poised to not only feed itself but also become a global leader in sustainable agriculture.