The Common African Agro-Parks (CAAPs)-Technical Coordination Team (CAAPs-TCT) convened its 2022 Planning Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, from 25^th- 29^th April 2022. The workshop brought together CAAPs-TCT members from the African Union Commission, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Forum for Agricultural Research for Africa (FARA), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Pan-African Farmers Associations (PAFO), and Pan-African Agribusiness Apex Chamber (PAAAC). The aim of the workshop was to review progress made in implementing the STC and the CAAPs-Steering Committee decisions, refining the CAAPs Coordination Roadmap considering the emerging issues, and developing the 2022 Deliverables and resources mobilization plan.

Dr. Janet Edeme, the Chair of the CAAPs-TCT and the Head of Rural Development Division of the African Union Commission, opened the workshop and welcomed participants by providing a brief background of the Common African Agro-Parks Programme (CAAPs). She noted that “the CAAPs programme is one of the concrete initiatives of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Programme (CAADP) to be implemented within the framework of the AU Agenda 2063 for achieving the CAADP Malabo commitments and AfCFTA goals, especially the one on tripling Intra-African trade for agricultural commodities and services’’.  

One of the key discussions at the workshop was, preparation for the upcoming 3^rd CAAPs-Steering Committee meeting and Leadership Engagement Meeting between the AU Commission and UNIDO on CAAPs. In addition, the CAAPs-TCT technical Coordination roadmap and leadership engagement plan was revised at the workshop.  There were also discussions on resource mobilization activities and the establishment of task force to develop criteria for member states to host a pilot CAAPs Demonstration Projects.

The key outcomes of the meeting will be presented to the 3^rd CAAPs- Steering Committee meeting that will be Chaired by HE. Amb. Josefa Sacho Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of AUC. The CAAPs- Steering Committee members, further comprises the Commissioner of Economic Development, Trade, Industry, and Mining (ETIM), Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Executive Director of FARA, and the President of Afriexim Bank. The 3^rd CAAPs- Steering Committee is planned to take place in mid-June in Cairo, Egypt. 

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Janet Edeme, Head Rural Development Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission – Email: Edemej@africa-union.org Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mukulia Kennedy Ayason, Policy Officer, Rural Development Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission – Email: AyasonM@africa-union.org Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

For Media inquiries: -

Ms. Peace Lydia Mutuwa, Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission; Email mutuwap@africa-unin.org Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke, Information and Communication Directorate; AU Commission Email: molalett@africa-union.org Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube