AU endorses 2026-2035 CAADP strategy & action plan in the draft Kampala Declaration

The Draft Kampala Declaration has set the stage for Africa's agricultural transformation, bringing to the forefront the goals, challenges, and opportunities in shaping resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for the continent. Kefilwe Roba Moalosi, the Senior Nutrition and Food Safety Programme Officer at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) and a key member of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement Executive Committee, recently joined CNBC Africa to discuss the African Union's endorsement of the 2026-2035 CAADP Resolution. The CAADP, or Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, has been in operation for over two decades and is now entering a new phase known as the Kampala Declaration, focusing on the period from 2026 to 2035. One of the significant highlights of this strategy is the integration of nutrition into the agri-food system, with a specific goal of ensuring food security and nutrition for all across the continent. This commitment was well-received by heads of state and high-level speakers at the African Union Extraordinary Summit, who emphasized Africa's potential to become the food basket for the world. As the Malabo Declaration is set to conclude in 2025, many African countries have not met the goals outlined in the agreement due to various disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and global trade conflicts. Kefilwe stresses the importance of taking critical actions to bridge the gap in achieving the Malabo goals, especially in the realm of nutrition and food safety. By promoting traditional foods, enhancing nutrition education in schools, and diversifying agricultural production, African nations aim to tackle the triple burden of malnutrition prevalent across the continent. The conversation shifts towards cross-sectoral collaborations involving health, education, and agriculture to improve food safety and nutrition within the new CARD (CAADP Results Framework) strategy. This holistic approach emphasizes the need for multisectoral coordination, involving various ministries to integrate health policies and programs into agricultural practices. Access to healthy diets becomes a focal point, with an emphasis on affordable and locally produced food to address malnutrition challenges and combat issues like obesity through diversified food production. Regional trade and market integration play a crucial role in enhancing access to safe and nutritious food across Africa. The implementation of food safety standards, traceability systems, and border controls are essential for promoting regional trade while ensuring consumer health and boosting agri-processing capabilities on the continent. By enforcing stringent food safety measures and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, African nations can enhance the quality and safety of their food products in the global marketplace. Lastly, Kefilwe sheds light on the innovative approaches proposed by the Scaling Up Nutrition (Sun) Movement to advance nutrition and food safety within Africa's agri-food systems. Sun advocates for a multisectoral approach, aligning policies and programs to address nutrition challenges collaboratively. Empowering women and youth, establishing regional hubs, and leveraging smart agriculture technologies are key strategies employed by Sun to promote nutrition-sensitive approaches and enhance food security in the region. With a renewed focus on sustainable agriculture and nutrition-sensitive policies, Africa is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities in transforming its agri-food systems for a brighter future.