NAIROBI, Kenya- Inclusive development in Africa has often seemed just out of reach, but that narrative could change if countries prioritize investment in agriculture.
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) offers a roadmap to achieve this, and its next phase could be pivotal for the continent’s future.
Josefa Sacko, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development at the African Union Commission, emphasizes the need for continued engagement with African leaders.
“Let them be onboard, let them define the priority areas when they are coming up with annual budgets,” Sacko asserts, stressing that without proper funding, even the best projects will falter.
Speaking at the Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035), Sacko highlighted the successes achieved under the Maputo Declaration of 2003 and the Malabo Declaration of 2014.
The Malabo Declaration, signed in Equatorial Guinea in 2014, is set to conclude in 2025.
This calls for a new action plan to guide the continent for the next ten years, a plan Sacko believes will be crucial in reshaping Africa’s agricultural priorities.
Twenty years of CAADP implementation have yielded impressive results, with increases in Africa’s GDP, average incomes, agricultural output, and trade.
These efforts have significantly reduced hunger and poverty across the continent.
Sacko notes that sub-Saharan Africa has achieved the highest rate of agricultural growth globally since 2000, with an approximate growth rate of 4.3 pc.
“The Post-Malabo CAADP Agenda presents a pivotal moment for reshaping Africa’s priorities,” Sacko explains, adding that the new strategy will not only build on CAADP’s existing strengths but also adapt to emerging challenges and align with global trends.
The upcoming Kampala Declaration, set to be conceptualized during an Extraordinary Summit in January 2025, will replace the 2014 Malabo Declaration.
This new framework is expected to further catalyze agricultural transformation across Africa, solidifying CAADP’s role as a flagship program under Agenda 2063.
While CAADP has made significant strides, the journey has not been without challenges.
Climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic disruptions, and conflicts have all posed significant obstacles.
“This calls for robust interventions to support member states in building a resilient agricultural sector in the midst of a global food crisis,” Sacko asserts, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
