The African Union Commission (AUC) convened the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (STC-ARDWE) at its Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The event took place from 21-24 October 2025.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Amb. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, underscored the critical transition from the Malabo CAADP Agenda (2014–2025) to the Kampala CAADP Agenda (2026–2035). The new Agenda advances the theme “Building Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa” and aspires to achieve 45 percent of agrifood production sourced from within Africa by 2030.

Reflecting on Africa’s strengthened global positioning following the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), Commissioner Vilakati noted the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, which firmly establishes Africa’s leadership in advancing climate solutions.

The Commissioner further announced that the African Union Theme of the Year 2026 will be “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” This announcement paves the way for the STC to deliberate on the new Africa Water Vision 2063 and its accompanying Policy Framework key agenda items aimed at strengthening continental water governance and resilience.

Commissioner Vilakati addressed the persistent challenges impacting Africa’s food and nutrition security, including structural constraints, climate variability, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. In response, he commended the Republic of Zambia for hosting a pivotal conference on water cooperation. He also highlighted the review of key documents, including the Fifth CAADP Biennial Review, the Kampala CAADP domestication and implementation guidelines, and the 100-Day Progress Report.

He concluded by expressing appreciation to the Republic of Uganda, the STC Bureau, Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and development partners for their continued leadership, collaboration, and support.

The outgoing chair of the 5^th STC-ARDWE, under the leadership of Uganda, H.E. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture, reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to advancing the agricultural transformation agenda across the continent.

In her acceptance statement on behalf of the Chair of the STC, Hon. Emilia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Republic of Ghana, and the First Vice Chair of the STC, acknowledges this important role with humility and a deep sense of duty. ”We are fully cognizant of the importance of this Committee’s mandate in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and in promoting sustainable development across our continent”, she said. Furthermore, she stressed that Agriculture, rural transformation, water security, and environmental stewardship are pillars upon which Africa’s shared prosperity must be built.

Mr. Matthias Reusing, First Counsellor and Policy Advisor for Agriculture, Environment & Climate Change, and Digital Transition from the European Union Delegation to the AU, reiterated the EU’s longstanding multilateral partnership with Africa. He underscored that amid profound global transformations—described as tectonic shifts the EU and AU must deepen cooperation through initiatives such as the Global Gateway, which aims to mobilize €100 billion for development cooperation in support of shared priorities.

About the Specialized Technical Committee

The Specialized Technical Committees (STCs) were established by decisions Assembly/AU/Dec.227 (XII) and Assembly/AU/Dec.365 (XVII) of the Assembly of the Union in accordance with Article 5(1)(g) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. The STC on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE) plays a central role in guiding policies that promote sustainable agriculture, rural transformation, and environmental stewardship.

During the four-day session, delegates reviewed and approved several strategic and technical documents aligned with continental priorities. The AUC presented recommendations for endorsement to facilitate the continued implementation of transboundary projects in line with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

At the opening of the 6th STC-ARDWE, election of the new bureau a new Bureau was elected as follows:

• Chair: The Republic of Cameroon (Central Africa)
• 1st Vice-Chair: The Republic of Ghana (West Africa)
• 2nd Vice-Chair: The Republic of Namibia (Southern Africa)
• 3rd Vice-Chair: Consultation ongoing for Northern Africa
• Rapporteur: The Republic of Uganda (Eastern Africa)

Delegates from 48 Member States participated, along with representatives from the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS, IGAD, SADC, and UMA and strategic partners including the European Union, UNEP, WFP, and AGRA.

Background Documents Referenced

• Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation (2014–2025)
• Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action (ACS2)
• Africa Water Vision 2063
• Integrated African Strategy on Meteorology (Weather, Water and Climate Services)
• Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 in Africa

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Jihane El Gaouzi, Head of Sustainable Environment, | Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy | African Union Commission | gaouzij@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For media enquiry:

Mr Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-911-630 631 | E-mail: MolaletT@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Diana Chacha, Communications and Visibility – ClimSA Programme |  African Union Commission | E-mail: chacha@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia