An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa.

Top Slides

2025 Theme of the Year: "2025 Year of Reparations: Justice for Africans & People of African Descent through Reparations.

Events

  • Event
    Celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    Celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    March 20, 2015

    AUC and FAO commemorate International Day of Forests

    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 20, 2015 – The African Union Commission (AUC), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), today jointly commemorated the International Day of Forests, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    Speaking during the event, H.E. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) noted that the commemoration was not only about recalling the benefits of forests but equally about raising awareness on the dangers facing the global forest cover especially in developing countries.

    “The role of forests is increasingly being recognized in efforts to adapt to, and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Deforestation and forest degradation accounts for about 18 per cent of global emission of carbon oxide. Thus, controlling this source of emission is a crucial step in averting further global warming,” she said.

    Mrs. Tumusiime recalled that in June 2014, the AU Assembly called for the development of a Regional Framework on Sustainable Forest Management in Africa and that in implementing that land-mark decision, the AU Commission, in collaboration with FAO Regional Office for Africa, is elaborating a Sustainable Forest Management Framework for the continent, which would contribute to laying a strong foundation for the rational utilization and management of Africa’s forest heritage.

    Ms. Susan Minae, on behalf of the FAO Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Africa, reiterated that Africa could meet its obligation to the international community on climate change mitigation if it could successfully and sustainably manage and develop its forest resources. She emphasized that: “As sources of energy, food and feed, Africa’s various forest types contribute significantly to food and nutrition security and to social protection, thereby enhancing adaptation to climate change at national and local levels”.
    Officially launching the commemoration, which falls on 21 March, H.E Diallo Amina Djibo, Niger’s Ambassador to the AU and Vice Chair of the Permanent Representatives Committee said, the preservation of forests is cardinal as they are an important source of resources and livelihood.
    She encouraged all African countries to do more for the social and economic development of their populations and for environmental sustainability.

    Media contacts:

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture; AUC; jilomboc@africa-union.org;

    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC; molalett@africa-union.org; Mobile 0911630-631

    Eddy Patrick Donkeng, Sub-Regional Communication Specialist FAO, Ethiopia; Eddy.DonkengDongmo@fao.org; Mobile: +251924132360

  • Event
    AU Commissioner Tumusiime Calls on UN SRSG Margareta Wahlstrom
    AU Commissioner Tumusiime Calls on UN SRSG Margareta Wahlstrom
    March 16, 2015

    AU COMMISSIONER TUMUSIIME CALLS ON UN SRSG MARGARETA WAHLSTROM

    16 March 2015 Sendai, Japan- Her Excellency Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union Commission, who is in Sendai, Japan leading the official delegation of the African Union Commission to the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) called on Mrs. Margareta Wahlstrm, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).
    The two exchanged views on issues pertaining to the ongoing Conference in particular and especially those relating to DRR in Africa.
    The AU Commissioner hailed the support that UNISDR has been providing to the AU and its Member States to take forward issues of DRR. The SRSG, on her part, commended the Commission of the African Union for the effective coordination of the process that culminated in the adoption by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Strategy on DRR; the creation and operationalization of Africa’s political Regional Platform and its technical Working Group; and, indeed the development of Africa’s Plan of Action.
    While acknowledging these compliments, the AU Commissioner observed that it was now time for AU Member States to capitalize of these mechanisms to mainstream in their development planning issues of DRR and make the necessary interventions to advance them and that rather than wait to react to emergencies they should enhance their readiness as well as preventive measures through building resilience. She also called for heightened advocacy and public awareness as well as empowerment of communities to deal with DRR issues from the grassroots level where they are felt most.
    The Commissioner expressed the hope that as part of international cooperation, friends and partners of Africa would extend the necessary support towards its DRR programs and projects. The SRSG expressed the confidence that the global momentum built over the years of implementing the overarching Hyogo Framework of Action 205-2015 would be sustained in the post-2015 era that combines strategically interrelated processes of DRR, Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Change and Financing for Sustainable Development.
    They both voiced optimism that the Sendai Conference would be successful and reaffirmed their personal and respective institutions’ commitment to continued collaboration at the service of their shared constituency.

    Media Contact

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture; AUC
    jilomboc@africa-union.org

    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC;
    molalett@africa-union.org;

    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int

  • Event
    DREA Commissioner meets World Bank Director for Global Practice – Social, Urban, Rural, and Resilience
    DREA Commissioner meets World Bank Director for Global Practice – Social, Urban, Rural, and Resilience
    March 15, 2015

    DREA Commissioner meets World Bank Director for Global Practice – Social, Urban, Rural, and Resilience

    Sendai, Japan 15 March 2015- H.E Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission yesterday held a meeting with Mr. Ede Jorge Ijjasz-Vasquez, the new Senior Director, Global Practice – Social, Urban, Rural, and Resilience, of the World Bank. They discussed ways and means of ensuring a more structured and stepped up collaboration between the World Bank and the African Union Commission and specifically with the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture. In this connection, they also discussed the possibility of joint convening by the World Bank and the AUC of a Conference on Africa Understanding Risk and Finance, in close collaboration with UNISDR, AfDB and EU.
    While expressing appreciation for the opportunity of the meeting with the World Bank Director, Commissioner Tumusiime, hailed the World Bank’s ongoing cooperation and support in the areas of climate change, agriculture, land policy and disaster risk reduction, among other areas under her portfolio. The two agreed to get their respective technical teams to get together and review areas of cooperation and propose a way forward for enhanced collaboration and delivery.
    The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the increasing awareness, appreciation and commitment on the part of AU Member States vis-à-vis these inter-related areas. She called for called for increased harmonisation of interventions in these areas, the strengthening of capacities and effective mainstreaming.
    The meeting was attended by among others, Mr Christopher Pusch, Coordinator of Disaster Risk Management in Africa.

    Media Contact

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture; AUC
    jilomboc@africa-union.org

    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC;
    molalett@africa-union.org;

    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int

  • Event
    Africa Environment/Wangari Maathai Day and World Wildlife Day 3 March 2015
    March 06, 2015

    Press Release Nº 054/2015

    Africa Environment/Wangari Maathai Day

    and

    World Wildlife Day 3 March 2015

    Nairobi, 3 March 2015: Kenyan President H.E Uhuru Kenyatta led the Commemoration of Africa Environment/Wangari Maathai Day and World Wildlife Day at the Kenya Wildlife Service Headquarters in Nairobi National Park.

    The 2015 celebrations, hosted by the Government of the Republic of Kenya, brought together Representatives from various Government Ministries, Diplomatic Missions, United Nations Agencies, International and local Environmental NGOs, Conservationists, Schools and other stakeholders.

    In his speech, H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed appreciation to the African Union for recognizing and honoring Professor Maathai’s life and work and urged Kenyans to plant trees in honour of her legacy. The President further underscored the important roles that wildlife plays in the ecosystem and in the socio-economic development of communities. He further emphasized the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, and called for intensive investment and cooperation with stakeholders in the fight against poaching.

    Description: Description: C:\Users\Leah\AppData\Local\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\LiveComm\5badc77af97aa905\120712-0049\Att\2000b08d\WP_20150303_003.jpgIn her statement, H.E Commissioner Tumusiime Rhoda Peace paid tribute to the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate and highlighted her achievements in championing the cause of grassroots’ women and other marginalized groups. Commissioner Peace also highlighted women’s roles in society, in environmental management and the hurdles that they have to overcome. The theme of the celebrations Empowering Women for Sustainable Natural Resources Management in line with the AU Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards the Agenda 2063.

    Other speakers included the Cabinet Secretary for Environment Water and Natural Resources, Representatives of the Dean of Ambassadors in Nairobi, UNEP and the Greenbelt Movement.

    Description: Description: C:\Users\Leah\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\WP_20150303_032.jpg“Poachers and their enablers will not have the last word” warned the President. To close the celebrations, President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the destruction of 15 tonnes of illegal ivory at the Ivory Burning site in the Nairobi National Park, as a symbolic gesture to reaffirm Kenya’s dedication to eradicate poaching.

    About

    Africa Environment Day was designated in 2002 by the Organization African Unity (OAU) Council of Ministers in their meeting in Durban, South Africa, recognizing the numerous environmental challenges confronting the African continent. In January 2012, the African Union (AU) adopted a decision calling for the joint commemoration of Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day in recognition of the work and life of the late Prof. Wangari Maathai who dedicated her life to promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in Africa. Previous celebrations have been held in Chad (2012), Tunisia (2013) and Lesotho in 2014.

    For additional information, please contact

    Mr. Almami Dampha

    Senior Policy Officer

    Damphaa@africa-union.org

  • Event
    Commissioner Tumusiime meets CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa Executive Director
    February 25, 2015

    Commissioner Tumusiime meets CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa Executive Director
    25 February 2015, Nairobi- H.E Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture called on Dr. Maya Kulycky, Head of East Africa for ABN 360 whose brands, including CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa, she drives, in strategic positioning of companies for global competitiveness through their broadcast and print.
    They expressed concern over the long time it has taken with agriculture being taken for granted despite its significant contribution to socio-economic development and its untapped enormous potential. They also expressed concern over the overdependence of African farmers to rain-fed agriculture which is increasingly undermined by climate change and climate variability. They further expressed concern over market failures that tend to frustrate farmers especially with respect to output markets.
    While discussing ways of breaking the cycle of poverty in which African farmers are trapped, they examined ways of catalyzing the private sector to engage in and finance operations in African agriculture. They, in particular, called for investments in increasing the shelf-life of the perishable agricultural products but re importantly in irrigation for farmers to be able to produce all the year round and also in infrastructure to ease the movement of agricultural commodities.
    The Commissioner commended CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa under the able stewardship of Dr.Kulycky, for drawing the attention of governments and businesses to critical sectors like agriculture and the agricultural value chain.
    The Commissioner and Dr.Kulycky took note of the best practices and success stories in some AU Member States like Rwanda, for example, were farmers were sensitized and mobilized to use fertilizer thereby increasing fertilizer use and as a result attracting private sector investment in inputs as well as in agro-processing since agricultural production increased. Another example cited was Ethiopia where soil mapping has been undertaken and fertilizer blending factories have been set up.
    They also discussed ways of promoting standards, labeling and certification to enhance the competitiveness of African agricultural products on continental and international markets. They also discussed how to enhance partnerships to advance agricultural science, research, innovation and technology as a critical ingredient in the Accelerated Africa Agriculture Growth and Transformation.

    Media Contact

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture; AUC
    jilomboc@africa-union.org

    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC;
    molalett@africa-union.org;

    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int

  • Event
    Commissioner Tumusiime visits AGRA President, Dr. Kalibata
    February 25, 2015

    Commissioner Tumusiime visits AGRA President, Dr. Kalibata
    Nairobi 25 February 2015- H.E Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture yesterday called on H.E Dr Agnes Kalibata President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa at her office in Nairobi, Kenya,
    The two held discussions following on the earlier meeting they held on 2 February 2015 in Addis Ababa on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement between AGRA and the AU Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture.
    They reviewed the progress made since then by the two institutions and provided further guidance on expediting the way forward in the context of the AU Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Africa Agriculture Growth and Transformation. They placed emphasis on joint efforts to contribute towards the operationalisation of the African Fertiliser Financing Mechanism whose Governing Council the Commissioner chairs.
    They further highlighted collaboration in promoting agricultural mechanisation through partnerships with countries and institutions that have registered success in this regard and have shown interest to support Africa. They envisage Agricultural mechanization with a strong focus on women and youth employment and anchored in the private sector with a facilitating role of governments. The meeting was attended by Mr. FadelNdiame, an official of AGRA and Mr Julius Kagamba, Special Assistant to the Commissioner.

    Media Contact

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture; AUC
    jilomboc@africa-union.org

    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC;
    molalett@africa-union.org;

    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int

  • Event
    Commissioner Tumusiime meets German delegation
    February 25, 2015

    Commissioner Tumusiime meets German delegation
    25 February 2015, Nairobi- Her Excellency Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union Commission who is currently leading the delegation of the high-level Meeting on Scaling Agricultural Innovations in Africa 23-24 February 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya yesterday held discussions with Dr. Stefan Schmitz, Deputy Director General of the Germany Ministry of Development Cooperation (BMZ) who also heads the special unit championing the One World-No Hunger initiative.
    The German Government is rolling out this initiative in collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) together with its affiliated sub regional and national agricultural research organizations which are advancing the African Agriculture Science Agenda that promotes agricultural research, innovation and technology.
    The One World-No Hunger initiative currently covers 13 countries in the world, of which 12 are in Africa, namely: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Togo, Tunisia and Zambia,
    The One World-No Hunger initiative comprises 6 pillars, namely innovation, rural transformation, nutrition, building resilience, natural resources management and land rights. It is envisaged that the scaling of innovations through this initiative will spread to other AU Member States and that this will also take coordination with other partners including through the Africa-EU Innovations, Science and Technology for Food and Nutrition Security as well as the Partnership Platform for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), among others.
    The Commissioner commended Germany for the initiative and for the continent-wide support it provides to Africa as well as through bilateral cooperation. She called for the alignment of the initiative with CAADP and ensuring that the components implemented are part of National Agriculture and Food Security Investment Plans.
    The meeting was attended by officials from the AU Commission and the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GIZ).

    Media Contact

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture; AUC
    jilomboc@africa-union.org

    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC;
    molalett@africa-union.org;

    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int

  • Event
    Commissioner Tumusiime discusses sustainable development with UNEP Africa Regional Office Director
    February 24, 2015

    Commissioner Tumusiime discusses sustainable development with UNEP Africa Regional Office Director
    24 February, Nairobi-Her Excellency Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy at the African Union Commission called on Mr.MounkailaGoumandakoye, Director for the Regional Office for Africa at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The meeting reviewed areas of cooperation in furtherance of issues related to environment and sustainable development including support to Africa’s participation in global negotiations on climate change and sustainable development goals, among others.
    In this context, the two principals considered the state of preparations for the upcoming important engagements including:
    1. The Africa Environment Day/WangariMaathai Day 2-4 March 2015 also coinciding with World Wildlife Day in Nairobi, Kenya
    2. The 15th Session of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) 2-6 March Cairo, Egypt
    3. International Day of Forests Day 21 March 2015
    4. The International Conference on Illegal Exploitation and Trade in Africa’s Wild Flora and Fauna 27-30 April 2015 Congo-Brazzaville
    5. The 21st Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Co21 of the UNFCCC) Le Bourget, France 30 November to 11 December 2015
    They agreed on continued close collaboration on these and other related issues in partnership with other Pan African and regional and international institutions in support of AU Member States effective participation around Africa’s common position.
    The meeting was attended by Mr. David Ombisi, Executive Secretary of AMCEN and officials from UNEP and AUC.

    Media Contact

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture; AUC
    jilomboc@africa-union.org

    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC;
    molalett@africa-union.org;

    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int

  • Event
    2nd Sahel and West Africa Program in support of the Great Green Wall Initiative (SAWAP) Conference
    2nd Sahel and West Africa Program in support of the Great Green Wall Initiative (SAWAP) Conference
    February 18, 2015 to February 20, 2015

    Sahel and West Africa Land Actors
    Meet at African Union to add another BRICK in the Great Green Wall
    Addis Ababa-19 February 2015 - From February 18 to 19, the twelve country project teams that form the World Bank/Global Environment Facility Sahel and West Africa Program (SAWAP) in support of the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel met at the African Union Commission (AUC) to share knowledge and best practices to enhance the resilience of African landscapes, lives, and livelihoods – especially the poorest who deeply depend on natural resources for environmental and food security.
    SAWAP, a US$1.1 billion flexible investment umbrella with 12 country-led investment operations, is the contribution of the World Bank and GEF to the African initiative to help transform the region into a stable, sustainable, and resilient region. The program was developed in 2011 under the TerrAfrica partnership, and is reinforced by a regional hub project Building Resilience through Innovation, Communication and Knowledge Services (BRICKS). With the support of Connect4Climate, BRICKS facilitates cooperation among the country projects and Great Green Wall partners on operational problems and solutions facing country project teams.
    “The Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative is the first and only program conceived, engineered and created by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union,” stated H.E Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union. “This Wall is made up of the multimillion dollar programs like the SAWAP and BRICKS, multiple sectors and stakeholders, and ultimately the ‘ecological infrastructure’ that generates jobs, food and water security.”

    The Second SAWAP Conference is being held in Ethiopia to celebrate the country's successful Sustainable Land Management Program that has so far restored 15 million hectares and transformed the lives of 30 million people in less than 10 years.
    “The poor are affected the most by climate change. Sustainable Land Management helps build resilience and reduce communities’ vulnerability, while also creating pathways out of poverty. …We look forward to greening out landscapes and empowering communities to build their resilience,” said H.E. Ato Sileshi Getahun, State Minister of Natural Resources in Ethiopia.
    Drylands in Sub-Saharan Africa account for 43% of land area, 50% of population – about 325 million people and 75% of agriculture land used for both crops and livestock production. Poverty
    is heavily concentrated in drylands with about 75% of Africa’s poor people and by 2030, 40 to 100 million more people could be sensitive to shocks.

    “It is becoming more and more apparent that addressing the effects of climate change requires multidimensional interventions and the concerted efforts of all of us,” said Guang Zhe Chen, World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia. “As World Bank President Jim Kim says, resilience is about development and development is about resilience. One cannot exist without the other. That is why the World Bank has been working with Governments and partners to help affected countries find lasting solutions to the challenges they face.”
    BRICKS is being implemented by three regional centers: the Interstate Committee to Combat Drought in the Sahel (CILSS), the Sahara and Sahel Observatory, (OSS) and West and Central Africa Office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Each organization delivers specialty services to the SAWAP portfolio to enhance quality and promote regional integration.
    “The merit of the BRICKS arrangement is that it allows us, African regional centers of excellence, to collaborate together in a united way, up our game and leverage our capacity,” said Dr. Djime Adoum, Executive Secretary of the CILSS. “OSS is in charge of geospatial applications and monitoring and evaluation, IUCN is a leader in biodiversity and communications strategies and CILSS is responsible for exchange of best practices and knowledge management. This allows us to offer effective services to the 12 country project teams and respond to their needs”, he added.

    For more information / interview requests:
    AUC: Molalet Tsedeke, Molalett@africa-union.org; or Carol Jilombo, JilomboC@africa-union.org
    UICN-PACO: Félicité Mangang, felicite.mangang@iucn.org
    CILSS: Abdoulkarim Dankoulou, dankoulou.abdoulkarim@cilss.bf
    OSS: Lilia Benzid, lilia.benzid@oss.org.tn
    World Bank: Madji Seck, mseck@worldbank.org

    #
    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int

  • Event
    Launch and Planning of the Project ‘Improving Land Governance in the IGAD Region’.
    February 16, 2015

    Press Release
    Launch and Planning of the Project ‘Improving Land Governance in the IGAD Region’.

    February 16, 2015, Djibouti: The Land Policy Initiative (LPI) was established in 2006 as a joint initiative of the AU Commission, the UNECA and the AfDB with a view to facilitating national land policy development processes within the context of the AU Framework and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa which was endorsed by the 13th Assembly of the AU Heads of State and Government in Sirte, Libya in 2009.
    H.E. Tumusiime, Rhoda Peace, AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture under whose portfolio the LPI is anchored at the Commission was represented by the Head, Rural Economy Division during the launch of the Project in Djibouti. The Minister of Habitat, Urbanisation and Environment of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mousa Ibrahim together with H.E. Mme Hasna Barkat Doud, Minister for the promotion of Women officially launched the project.
    The 6- year project (broken into two 3-year phases), with support from the Swedish Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the LPI and IGAD Secretariat aims to (i) Enhance the capacity of the LPI and IGAD Secretariat to facilitate and monitor the implementation of the AU Declaration on Land in the Region;
    (ii) Mainstream Land Governance issues in programmes and activities of the IGAD Secretariat, (iii) Develop capacity of academic institutions in the region to promote and undertake land policy related research.
    (iv) Work within existing regional platforms for knowledge sharing and advocacy aimed at promoting good land governance and land policy convergence among IGAD Member States (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda).
    (v) Improve partnerships, coordination and alignment of land governance related programme in the IGAD Region and
    (vi) Facilitate monitoring and evaluation of land policy reform processes.
    The SDC is providing a total sum of USD4.4m while LPI together with the IGAD Secretariat have been able to mobilize combined resource of USD4-500,000.
    The Launch and Planning event will comprise different activities to be conducted from 16 – 19 February 2015 as follows;
    • Planning and project launching activities 16 – 17 February, 2015
    • Project Steering Committee Meeting: 18 February 2015
    • Inter-RECs Meeting: 19th of February, 2015.
    For further information please contact: Dr. Janet Edeme: EdemeJ@africa-union.org

  • Event
    The AU Commission Takes Part in The Gulfood World Food Security Summit in Dubai
    February 12, 2015

    PRESS RELEASE Nº 031/2015

    The AU Commission Takes Part in The Gulfood World Food Security Summit in Dubai
    Dubai, UAE, 9th February 2015: A three-day World Food Security Summit opened in Dubai on 9th February at Conrad Hotel Dubai under the theme “Securing the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC)’s future food supply.” Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 20th edition of Gulfood Conference was attended by close to one hundred guests from private sector investment companies, business consultancy firms and ministries of agriculture, industry, trade and investment. The conference opened with keynote addresses and statements delivered by six high-level dignitaries, including the AU Commission, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Agriculture and CEOs of leading trade and investment corporations.
    In her keynote address, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, Her Excellency Mrs. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime highlighted the various challenges that African agriculture and its broad spectrum of cropproduction, livestock, fisheries and natural resource subsectors is facing. She also underscored the several opportunities for investment in agroindustry and foreign trade on the African continent.
    “Our food processing capacities are also low to the extent that food losses are exacerbated and value addition is limited and our people are deprived of quality and safe food,” she pinpointed.
    Commissioner Tumusiime also enlightened the conference audience of the Africa-Arab Partnership, which includes, among others the Africa-Arab Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and its Steering Committee which she and the Director General of the Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development, H.E. Dr. Tariq binMousa Al-Zadjali, co-chair.
    “In this cooperation framework, Africa’s orientation is guided by the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which has among its key pillars a focus on investment particularly private sector and market access that goes along with value chain development,” she underlined. She further brought up specific areas in which Arab and other international corporations could invest in. These include food harvest storage and processing facilities, market, livestock processing and water infrastructure, to mention but a few.
    Hon Koskei from Kenya gave a case example of Kenya as an attractive investmentdestination exemplifying many other such examples in Africa.
    In his remarks, Mr.QuintinGray, US Department of State’s Dubai Agriculture Counselor underscored Africa’s potential for improving the food security of the Gulf States through food imports and agro industrial and commercial cooperation. Other interveners spoke on their organisational roles in promoting the food industry, cutting-edge food processing technologies and investments in the sector. The conference also featured panel discussions and presentations and parallel sessions on several related topics, including policy responses to food price increases, climate change and investment.
    For more information contact:
    Mr. Lailá Lokosang
    Senior CAADP Advisor (Food & Nutrition Security) –
    LokosangL@africa-union.org.

    Media Contact

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture; AUC
    jilomboc@africa-union.org

    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC;
    molalett@africa-union.org;

    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int

  • Event
    Commissioner Tumusiime discusses agricultural development with AGRA president
    February 03, 2015

    PRESS RELEASE Nº 022/2015

    Commissioner Tumusiime discusses agricultural development with AGRA president

    Addis Ababa, 03, February 2015 – The Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, on 2nd February 2015, received Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), to discuss and agree on areas of cooperation in implementing the AU Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Africa Agriculture Growth and Transformation as well as other areas of agricultural development.

    The discussions were guided by the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding existing between AGRA and DREA, the Implementation Strategy and Roadmap for the Malabo Declaration, as well as the Strategic Plans for the two organisations (AUC/DREA 2014-2017 and AGRA 2015-2020).

    Commissioner Tumusiime, welcoming Dr. Kalibata and her delegation, said it was time to focus on strategic areas that would yield the most practical impact and results in agricultural development.

    Dr. Kalibata concurred with the Commissioner and expressed AGRA’s wish to contribute towards rolling out the Malabo Declaration and noted that AGRA was in the process of refocusing and aligning their activities with that of the AU Declaration on Agriculture.

    During the discussions, they agreed on how to coordinate efforts better towards an expedient implementation of collaborative activities, as laid out in the 2013 MoU by strengthening the working relationship between the two organizations, particularly in the fields of agriculture, food security as well as environment and natural resources.

    The meeting further agreed to set up a team that will work together in elaborating priority areas for cooperation and partnership for 2015-2017 and an implementation plan for 2015.

    The meeting was also attended by Dr. Abebe Haile Gabriel, Director, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture and other staff from both the department and AGRA.
    For further information:
    Mr. Maurice Lorka
    CAADP advisor
    N’guessanp@africa-union.org

    Ms. Carol Jilombo
    DREA communications
    jilomboc@africa-union.org

    Media contact
    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC;molalett@africa-union.org; 0911630631

    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:
    http://www.au.int