January 9, 2025, (Kampala, Uganda): The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, is leading a high-level delegation to the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The summit, being held from January 9–11, 2025, at the Speke Resort Conference Centre in Kampala, Uganda, focuses on shaping Africa’s post-Malabo agrifood systems agenda for 2026–2035.
Under the theme of advancing inclusive agrifood systems transformation for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity, this summit provides a platform for African leaders, regional bodies, and development partners to endorse the *draft Kampala CAADP Declaration* and the *Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035).* These crucial documents aim to drive agricultural transformation across the continent, building on the successes and lessons of the Malabo Declaration (2014–2025).
IGAD’s Strategic Engagement:
IGAD’s participation reaffirms its commitment to regional food security, sustainable agriculture, and resilience building. H.E. Dr. Workneh will engage in high-level discussions with African Union Heads of State, Ministers, and development partners to address critical challenges and opportunities in the IGAD region, including improving agricultural productivity, addressing climate change impacts, and enhancing regional cooperation in food systems.
A key focus for the IGAD delegation will be aligning the organization’s regional priorities with the broader CAADP agenda. These include fostering resilient agri-food systems, ensuring food and nutrition security, and promoting sustainable livelihoods across IGAD member states.
Key Highlights of the Summit:
– Opening statements by AU Heads of State and the AU Commission Chairperson.
– Deliberations on the draft *Kampala Declaration* and *Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan* to guide agricultural transformation in Africa from 2026–2035.
– Discussions on the establishment of African Union Centres of Excellence for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Biodiversity.
– A focus on collaboration with key stakeholders, including non-state actors, youth, women, and academia, to foster inclusive development.
CAADP’s Role in Agricultural Transformation:
Since its inception in 2003, CAADP has been a cornerstone of Africa’s agricultural transformation. It has driven efforts to achieve a 6% annual growth rate in the agricultural sector and encouraged AU member states to allocate at least 10% of their budgets to agriculture. Building on the 2014 Malabo Declaration, the CAADP agenda has focused on eradicating hunger, reducing malnutrition, and building resilient agricultural systems.
However, with the continent falling short of meeting the Malabo Declaration targets by 2025, this summit represents a pivotal moment for African leaders to chart a new course for inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.
Looking Ahead:
Through its participation, IGAD aims to strengthen partnerships with AU member states and development partners, leveraging the summit’s outcomes to advance its regional agenda. By endorsing the draft CAADP strategy and declaration, IGAD will continue championing initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth, food security, and resilience in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
For media inquiries:
Patience Nyange – IGAD’s Executive Secretary Spokesperson,
patience.nyange@igad.int
Austine Opata – IGAD Head of Communications,
austine.opata@igad.int
