African agriculture ministers gathered in Kampala, Uganda, to draft a transformative 10-year action plan for the continent’s food production systems. This initiative, aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, aims to reduce reliance on imported food, enhance resilience to climate change, and adopt modern, sustainable agricultural practices. 

The summit, attended by over 2,000 delegates, emphasizes building food security and sustainability. Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja urged ministers to prioritize policies that foster self-reliance and climate adaptation. “We must position Africa’s agriculture sector to be resilient and adaptive to technological advancements,” she stated, underlining the need to combat rising food prices triggered by climate shocks, conflicts, and shrinking farmlands. 

Food insecurity remains a global challenge, with UNCTAD reporting a rise from 512 million affected people in 2014 to over 790 million in 2021. The ministers discussed integrating carbon-neutral strategies into agriculture to address this crisis, aiming to shift Africa toward self-sufficiency within a decade. 

David Nabarro, co-founder of the 4SD Foundation, emphasized collaboration and shared progress among African nations. “With cooperation, Africa can move from being a food importer to achieving self-sufficiency, and even exporting surplus,” he said. Similarly, Appolinaire Djikeng of the International Livestock Research Institute highlighted the importance of government investment, capacity building, and supportive policies to drive lasting change. 

Countries like Ethiopia and Malawi have already committed over 10% of their budgets to agriculture, showcasing success under the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP). 

The summit concludes with African leaders expected to endorse a strategy that integrates ESG-driven, carbon-neutral practices. This plan, beginning in 2026, aims to reshape Africa’s food systems, ensuring sustainability, resilience, and improved livelihoods across the continent. 

Sources: 

https://www.newsgram.com/africa/2025/01/11/african-ministers-meet-in-uganda-to-shape-10-year-food-security-sustainability-plan 

https://www.pressreader.com/ethiopia/capital-ethiopia-9yvj/20250112/281625310953105?srsltid=AfmBOorjeJL9waHoBqp9ZSlkuFlPU9CMzSnDFCEibIWyObtthHqSRFaI 

https://climatetech.london/african-ministers-meet-in-uganda-to-shape-10-year-food-security-sustainability-plan-voa-asia/ 

https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20250113/african-union-adopts-ten-year-strategy-and-action-plan-transform-africas-agri