CAADP, Africa's Continental Framework
What is CAADP?
CAADP is short for the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme, a continental framework that was introduced by the African Union in 2003 to guide and influence the acceleration of agricultural transformation in Africa.
How does CAADP influence agricultural development in Africa?
CAADP is hinged on four priority areas on which African countries rely to develop specific policies, plans and strategies for sector development, namely,
- Extending the area under sustainable land management and reliable water control systems.
- Improving rural infrastructure and trade-related capacities for market access
- Increasing food supply, reducing hunger, and improving responses to food emergency crises
- Improving agriculture research, technology dissemination and adoption
Member states and countries of the African Union report on progress biennially following a CAADP scorecard that indicates performance against the targets.
What is "The CAADP Kampala Summit"?
The CAADP Kampala Summit is an Extraordinary Summit for African Union Heads of State and Governments, that was organized to consider and adopt a new 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) and a Kampala CAADP Declaration.
The Kampala Declaration includes specific targets adopted by African Heads of State and Governments.
The summit was held in Kampala, Uganda, from January 9th to 11th, 2025.
Who attended the CAADP Kampala Summit?
The Summit drew participation from the fifty-five (55) AU Member States at the Head of State and Government level, Ministers responsible for Agriculture, Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, AUC, Regional Economic Communities, Academia, Research Institutions, Farmers and Farmers Organizations, Private Sector, Youths, Development Partners, and the media. The Summit was attended by over 2,000 delegates.
Which country chaired the CAADP Kampala Summit?
Uganda chaired the CAADP Kampala Summit, having been elected as the Chair of the African Union (AU) Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE) for two years during the fifth Ordinary Session held in November 2023.
The chairpersonship was assigned to Hon. Frank Tumwebze, the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
The Bureau chaired by Uganda was constituted as follows:
- Chair: Republic of Uganda (Eastern Africa)
- 1st Vice Chair: Republic of Cameroon (Central Africa)
- 2nd Vice Chair: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire (West Africa)
- 3rd Vice Chair: Republic of Namibia (Southern Africa)
- Rapporteur: Arab Republic of Egypt (Northern Africa)
How was Uganda selected to host the CAADP Kampala Summit?
During the 5th Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment, also known as the STC-ARDWE, Uganda proposed hosting the Extra-Ordinary Summit in Kampala. This proposal was endorsed by the Forty-Fourth Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council and subsequently approved by the thirty-seventh Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in February 2024.
What were the key dates and events for the CAADP Kampala Summit?
- 9th January 2025: Meeting of Ministers responsible for Agriculture with invited relevant delegations.
- 10th January 2025: Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs with Ministers in charge of Agriculture.
- 11th January 2025: Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.
What preparations were made for the CAADP Kampala Summit?
A National Organizing Committee (NOC) was constituted, composed of relevant Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The inaugural meeting of the NOC was held on 25th September 2025 at MAAIF Headquarters. The NOC was responsible for organizing a successful Summit in all aspects. Preparations included:
- Presentation of a Cabinet Paper on 30th September 2024.
- Constitution of the National Organizing Committee (NOC).
- Invitations to African Union Heads of State and Government.
- Conclusion of technical documents (CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026-35, and the Kampala CAADP Declaration).
- An African Union Commission assessment mission in November 2024 classified Uganda’s state of preparedness as commendable.
The Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, as Chairperson of the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (STC-ARDWE) provided strategic guidance to the AUC on the CAADP 2026-2035 Strategy and Action Plan. The Minister presided over the opening of the validation meeting and formally communicated strategic aspects that the Strategy and Action Plan should address.
How do the outcomes of the Summit impact Africa’s agricultural sector?
The outcomes of the Summit, including the Kampala Declaration and the CAADP 2026-2035 Strategy and Action Plan, will guide the continent's agricultural policies and strategies for the next ten years, aiming to achieve sustainable and resilient agrifood systems for a healthy and prosperous Africa.
Download a copy of the Kampala Declaration here:
