H.E. Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda,

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Salem Merzoug, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Mauritania and Chair of the Executive Council,

Hon. Dr. Gedion Timotheos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,

Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries of the Republic of Uganda and Chair of the AU Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment,

Hon. Gen. Jeje Odongo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Uganda,

Esteemed Ministers of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs of AU Member States,

H.E Amb. Josefa Sacko, ARBE Commissioner,

Excellency Commissioners and Heads of Organs,

Our Esteemed Parliamentarians,

Representatives of Development Partner Institutions,

Honorable Delegates and Esteemed Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

All Protocols Observed.

It is my distinct honor to be here with you at this critical joint session of Ministers of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs as we embark on Day 2 of this landmark summit. Allow me to begin by expressing my profound gratitude to the government and people of the Republic of Uganda for their warm hospitality and for hosting us at this beautiful Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.

We owe a special acknowledgment to His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, for hosting us and for his unwavering dedication to agricultural transformation in Africa. Let us also recognize the leadership of His Excellency Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Champion of the CAADP process, whose vision continues to inspire our collective endeavors.

I am equally grateful to His Excellency Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose strategic guidance propels our work forward, and to the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment, chaired by Honorable Frank Tumwebaze for shaping the objectives of this summit.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our Continent is richly endowed with agricultural resources, 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, abundant water, diverse climates, and a dynamic youth population. Yet, challenges like limited financing, weak infrastructure, climate change, and slow adoption of modern technologies hinder progress. This paradox highlights the urgency of the new CAADP Strategy. With the right investments and partnerships, Africa can not only achieve food security but also become a global breadbasket. This summit is critical to unlocking that potential and transforming our agrifood systems into engines of growth, jobs, and prosperity.

We gather today with renewed purpose to address the urgent challenges confronting Africa’s agrifood systems. In February 2024, the AU Commission presented its fourth CAADP biennial review, highlighting the sobering reality that no member state was on track to achieve the Malabo Declaration targets by 2025. In response, our Heads of State directed us to craft a new 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) that reflects our collective aspirations under Agenda 2063.

This strategy aims to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that will feed 2.5 billion Africans by 2050, expand intra-African trade, and create millions of jobs for our youth and women. It embodies inclusivity, with contributions from diverse stakeholders—regional economic communities, farmers’ organizations, development partners, and youth and women in agriculture, ensuring a grounded, representative approach.

Through rigorous consultations and the leadership of Honorable Tumwebaze, we have reached a significant milestone with the endorsement of the CAADP Strategy and the draft Kampala Declaration. These documents provide a blueprint for transforming Africa’s agrifood systems over the next decade.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This summit is not just another meeting. It is a turning point. A moment to solidify our commitment to food sovereignty and the prosperity of our continent. Our decisions will shape Africa’s agricultural future and secure a legacy of resilience and abundance for generations to come.

As we delve into today’s discussions, I urge each of you to contribute your insights and expertise actively. Together, we can ensure that this summit's outcomes pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous Africa.

I wish you all a fruitful session and a year filled with health and success.

Thank you.