The African Union (AU) successfully convened its inaugural African Union Digital Agriculture Conference (DAC), under the theme: “Shaping Agricultural Policy for Africa’s Future: Innovation, Climate-Smart Practices, and Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development,”. The high-level gathering held from 1-3 December 2025, at the AU Headquarters, concluded with a renewed continental commitment to leveraging technology to transform Africa’s agri-food systems.
The Conference deliberated on the role of digital innovation in accelerating Africa’s agrifood systems transformation, in line with the aspiration of Agenda 2063, The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Kampala CAADP Declaration on Agrifood Systems Transformation. The inaugural conference recognised the pivotal role of agriculture in Africa’s economic transformation, food security, and job creation, and acknowledged the emerging opportunities presented by digital solutions to accelerate sustainable agricultural development. To realise the implementation of this initiative, the conference further recalled the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), the African Union Digital Agriculture Strategy 2023-2030, the CAADP Malabo Declaration, and global commitments including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on behalf of the African Union Commission Chairperson during the opening ceremony, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission underscored the strategic importance of technology, stating: “Policy is the foundation, innovation is the engine, and digital tools are the accelerators for building knowledge-driven farming systems and ensuring economic and social inclusion.”
Through innovation, we can unlock productivity, strengthen resilience, and create inclusive opportunities for our farmers, women, and youth. We call on African governments, development partners, private sector actors, and research institutions to join forces so that Africa, not only adopts digital agriculture but leads in shaping its future”, she stressed. The complete statement of the Deputy Chairperson can be accessed on: https://au.int/en/speeches/20251201/statement-auc-deputy-chairperson-au…
In his remarks H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), emphasized the urgency of this transition, noting that digital agriculture is now a necessity, not an option, for addressing challenges like climate change, land degradation, and limited market access. He reiterated the continental ambition aligned with the CAADP Kampala Declaration: “We have an ambition; 45% of Agrifood must come from Africa by 2030. Digital transformation ought to assist Africa in that regard.”
Together, therefore, let us harness technology and innovation to secure Africa’s food system, to empower our citizens, and strengthen our resilience”, he urged. Speech of the Commissioner can be accessed on: https://au.int/en/speeches/20251201/statement-auc-commissioner-arbe-au-…
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E Dr. Efa Muleta Boru, State Minister of Agriculture stressed on the action and commitment of The Ethiopian Government, saying: “Let this Conference mark a continental turning point a moment where ideas become commitments, and commitments become collective action. Ethiopia stands ready, alongside all AU Member States, to advance a transformative movement that harnesses digital innovation to deliver food security, climate resilience, and shared prosperity across Africa”.
“Africa must build systems not moments of transformation. To realise the ambition of Agenda 2063, we must champion bold forward looking agricultural policies, nurture a vibrant ecosystem for Africa Agri-Tech innovators, protect agricultural data as a strategic and sovereign asset and ensure that digital tools are accessible, affordable, and fully integrated into the daily activities of every farmer”, the state minister said. The Minister speech is available at: https://au.int/en/speeches/20251201/statement-state-minister-agricultur…
The three-day inaugural digital agriculture conference adopted a communique including the following outcomes, among others:
• To establish a Biennial AU Digital Agriculture Conference (DAC) as a continental platform for knowledge exchange and partnership building.
• To create a continental repository of best practices, case studies, technologies, and policy tools.
• To form a Multistakeholder Working Group to track implementation of digital agriculture innovations and strategies.
• To embed digital solutions across soil mapping, seed systems, extension services, value chain integration, and climate-smart agriculture.
• To establish a digital entrepreneurship hub as a pathway to harness Africa’s demographic dividend, creating jobs and opportunities for young people in agribusiness and rural economies.
• To develop interoperable data ecosystems to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, monitoring, and institutional accountability.
The conference served as a critical platform for knowledge sharing on cross-cutting thematic areas, including Agri-Tech Innovations, Digital Extension Services, Climate-Smart Agriculture, and Data Governance. The core discussions focused on accelerating the adoption and utilization of digital technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience across the continent.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Janet Edeme I Head of Division, Rural Development/ Ag Head of Agriculture and Food Security Division I African Union Commission I Email: EdemeJ@africanunion.org
Mukulia Kennedy Ayason I Policy Officer; Rural Infrastructure and Marketing I African Union Commission I Email Ayasonm@africanunion.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke I Information and Communications Directorate I African Union Commission I Tel: 0911-630631 I Email: molalett@africanunion.org
