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Agriculture: Africa Union’s urgent call to action

Peter 14th Jan, 2025 Agriculture Pedson Mumbere
Agriculture: Africa Union’s urgent call to action

Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, speaks at the Summit.


Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, has called for swift and decisive action to transform Africa’s agricultural sector from its current state of underdevelopment to a global leader in food production.

Speaking at the opening session of agriculture ministers during the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, Tumwebaze emphasized the importance of moving from planning to execution under the new Kampala CAADP Agenda.

“2025 will be a defining year for the future of Africa’s agricultural sector. If we are to meet the targets of Africa’s Agenda 2063, we must be in full implementation mode now,” Tumwebaze said at the event held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

  • According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) - Africa’s Agricultural Potential, Africa possesses 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, abundant water resources, favourable climates, and rich soils.

These resources position the continent to become a global agricultural powerhouse. Despite these advantages, however, Africa remains a net importer of food, with imports valued at $100 billion annually.

Over 60% of Africa’s workforce is engaged in agriculture, yet productivity remains low. The continent accounts for 280 million people facing chronic hunger, with food systems unable to meet the demands of rapid population growth.

  • Africa’s agricultural exports are dominated by raw materials like coffee, cocoa, and tea, leaving significant value addition untapped. Annual post-harvest losses across Africa are estimated at $48 billion, significantly reducing food security. Fertilizer use in Africa averages 17 kilograms per hectare, compared to the global average of 135 kilograms per hectare, leading to low crop yields.

Tumwebaze highlighted the importance of regional initiatives to enhance agricultural development. He pointed to the agreement during the 2021 Specialized Technical Committee (STC) session to establish five Regional Animal Resource Seed Centers of Excellence.

“Uganda was privileged to host one of the centers under the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB). However, to operationalize the centers, participating countries must conclude Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). We need to expedite this process, particularly in regions like Eastern Africa where this remains outstanding,” Tumwebaze added.

Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, added her voice to the summit, laying out key recommendations for Africa to unlock its agricultural potential:

Prioritize Food Security: Governments must integrate food security and nutrition into their national policies to address chronic hunger.

  • Invest in Productivity: “We must invest in improved seeds, livestock, and innovative farming techniques to boost productivity,” Nabbanja said. “Irrigation and mechanization are critical to mitigating climate change and enhancing production.”
  • Value Addition: Nabbanja stressed the need to stop exporting raw materials. “Africa must export finished, branded products that add value,” she urged.

Leverage Trade Agreements: The Prime Minister called for removing trade barriers and taking full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “AfCFTA offers a unique opportunity to promote regional and national development,” she noted.

The summit’s key objective was to finalize the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, also known as the Kampala CAADP Agenda. This strategy aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and food-secure Africa.

Agriculture ministers, development partners, and regional representatives at the summit are expected to adopt the agenda, signaling a unified commitment to accelerating agricultural development. The outcomes will be presented to the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government for endorsement.

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