The CAADP Malabo has encountered challenges including climate change, pandemics, and global economic disruptions, impeding progress. To address these issues, the African Union Commission and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, together with stakeholders, are working to finalize the Post-Malabo Agenda. As part of this process, two lines of effort have been developed and are being implemented: Stakeholder Engagement and Dialogues, as well as Research and Analytical Work. The stakeholder engagements and dialogue process concluded in June, and the research and analytical work will conclude in July. As part of the research and analytical work, thirteen technical working groups met in Lusaka from July 25th to 30th, 2024, to finalize and validate their groups' reports.

Her Excellency, Ambassador Josefa Sacko, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Environment (ARBE), emphasized the significance of the Post-Malabo CAADP Agenda in shaping Africa's priorities. She called for the strategic adaptation and utilization of CAADP's strengths to effectively address emerging challenges and align with global trends for developing evidence-based solutions to transform the agri-food system on the continent. Additionally, she commended the Regional Economic Communities, African Centres of Excellence, research institutes, and various stakeholders for their valuable contributions to the post-Malabo Agenda. The Commissioner praised the RECs for successfully conducting regional consultations and acknowledged the submission of 50 memoranda from various stakeholders, enriching the agenda and program. She underscored the high level of engagement, reflecting the continent's commitment to the transformation of African agriculture.

H.E Amb. Josefa Sacko was also presented the “Africa Green Ambassador Award 2024”. This award is in recognition of her outstanding contributions to agrifood system and circular economy in Africa, as well as her great leadership of consistently producing the CAADP Biennial Review Reports since 2017. The competitive and prestigious award is issued annually by IMAGES Initiative - Nigeria, to deserving personalities in Africa.

Ms. Yvonne S. Mpundu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia, praised the work of the Post-Malabo Technical Working Groups. She emphasized that this event represents a significant milestone in transforming the agricultural sector, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable economic growth. She also noted that the implementation of CAADP demonstrates the unwavering commitment to agricultural transformation, recognizing the vital role of youth and women in agriculture.

Mme. Estherine Fotabong, AUDA-NEPAD Director of Agriculture, Food Security, and Environmental Sustainability, stressed the need for collective action from all stakeholders to ensure effective CAADP implementation. She reaffirmed the agency's commitment to supporting CAADP implementation at all levels and called for the development of a strong and robust post-Malabo agenda outlining clear strategic actions to achieve necessary changes for Africa's agriculture goals and Agenda 2063 vision.

Dr. Godfrey Bahigwa, Director of Agriculture Rural Development (ARD), highlighted the importance of developing a CAADP agenda based on scientific research and evidence. He emphasized the need for evidence-based solutions that can be scaled across the continent, building on successes and addressing gaps in the current framework.

The Technical Working Groups are currently reviewing the commitments outlined in the Malabo Declaration and identifying key issues, emerging challenges, and opportunities for improvement. They are also actively engaging stakeholders and gathering technical contributions. These efforts, along with the outcomes of the stakeholders’ engagement and dialogues, will lead to the development of a ten-year action plan/strategy and a Kampala Declaration, which will be presented for endorsement by AU member states in January 2025. Once adopted, the Kampala Declaration and the ten-year action plan/strategy will become the new 10-year continental blueprint for building sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems, ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities, and fostering business development for millions of young people and households.

For further information, please contact:

• Dr. Janet Edeme – Head of Division for Rural Development and Ag. Head of Division for Agriculture and Food Security, Division, Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, (DARBE)  African Union Commission  Email: EdemeJ@africa-union.org
• Dr Manyewu Mutamba - AUDA-NEPAD Senior Programme Officer, Food Security. Directorate of Agriculture, Food Systems and Environmental Sustainability. Email:  Manyewum@nepad.org
• Dr Hamady Diop – CAADP Post Malabo Process Coordinator. Email: Hamady.diop@gmail.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

• Mr. Molalet Tsedeke, Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission

Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;

• Ms. Peace Lydia Mutuwa, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission; Email MutuwaP@africa-union.org

• Ms Millicent Kgeledi, AUDA-NEPAD Communication and Advocacy Unit- Office of the CEO Email: Millicents@nepad.org

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