By The African Union (AU) Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)summit, which concluded on January 11, aimed to redefine and strengthen agricultural strategies
that will shape the future of African nations.
The three-day event provided a clear roadmap for addressing the continent’s persistent challenges of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. The summit emphasised sustainable agricultural
practices, agro-industrialization, and inclusive economic growth, with a focus on women, youth, and marginalised groups.
The opening drew over 2,000 delegates, including agriculture experts, stakeholders, and politicians from 43 member states. About 58%, experts said, face food insecurity as the continent continues to struggle to meet the basic food and nutrition security needs.
With Africa having the fastest-growing population in the world at 1.4 billion people, driven by high birth rates, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said: “We must take advantage of the African
Continental Free Trade Area and stop exporting raw materials—export finished and branded products from Africa.”
