CAADP Kampala Summit 2025: A Crucial Convergence for the Future of African Agriculture

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Summit 2025, scheduled for January 9-11 in Kampala, Uganda, is set to be a landmark event with far-reaching implications for the future of agriculture across Africa. Hosted by the Government of Uganda, this summit will convene African leaders, policymakers, and diverse stakeholders to deliberate on the post-Malabo CAADP agenda and set strategic directions for the upcoming decade.

The Evolution of CAADP

Since its inception in 2003 under the auspices of the African Union, CAADP has been at the forefront of agricultural transformation on the continent. The initiative advocates for increased African ownership, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fostering mutual partnerships. Its fundamental objective is to eradicate hunger and reduce poverty through sustainable agricultural growth, aiming for at least 6% annual growth and allocating a minimum of 10% of national budgets to agriculture and rural development. The broad-based support from research institutions, farmers’ associations, and the private sector underlines the widespread commitment to CAADP’s goals.

Key Milestones and Challenges

The journey of CAADP has been marked by significant milestones such as the Maputo and Malabo Declarations, which solidified the continent’s commitment to agricultural development. Despite some progress, recent evaluations reveal that no member state is on track to meet the comprehensive targets set by the Malabo Declaration for 2025. This gap highlights the need for a revised and invigorated approach to agricultural policy and implementation.

Summit Objectives and Strategic Directions

The Kampala Summit aims to address these challenges head-on with two main objectives:

1. Endorsement of the Draft Kampala CAADP Declaration: This pivotal document will outline a transformative vision for Africa’s agri-food systems from 2026 to 2035, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and robust economic growth.
2. Adoption of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035): Detailed in this strategy are the steps necessary to achieve the declaration’s goals, including specific implementation and monitoring strategies. This plan reflects the input of a diverse group of experts and is responsive to global agricultural trends, ensuring a well-rounded and forward-thinking approach.

Addressing Current and Future Challenges

In addition to setting long-term objectives, the summit will tackle immediate issues such as refugee nutrition and persistent hunger, emphasizing sustainable and resilient solutions.

Partnerships for Success

A key feature of the CAADP Kampala Summit 2025 will be its focus on partnerships. The African Union’s InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a notable participant, underlining the critical role of livestock and fisheries in sustainable agri-food systems. Such collaborations are essential for achieving the ambitious goals of CAADP.

Agenda Highlights

The structured agenda of the summit promises comprehensive discussions and decision-making:

• Day 1: Opening with a high-level meeting of Ministers of Agriculture to set the tone for the summit’s objectives.
• Day 2: A joint session of ministers involved in Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, Environment, and Foreign Affairs to refine the CAADP strategy and declaration.
• Day 3: Concluding with the Assembly of Heads of State and Government to endorse the strategy and pave the way forward.