'Africa food sovereignty urgent priority as hunger, imports soar'

More than two decades after launching the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), Africa still faces critical challenges in achieving food self-sufficiency.

With annual food imports exceeding $80 billion and climate change intensifying, the continent’s future depends on bold action to transform its agricultural sector.

African Union Commissioner Moses Vilakati, responsible for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), shared candid insights in a recent interview on why food sovereignty can no longer wait, the opportunities and hurdles of implementing CAADP’s next phase, and what this means for Africa’s economy, youth, and women.

CAADP’s enduring vision and present challenges

Since its launch in 2003, CAADP has served as the African Union’s central framework for agricultural transformation, aiming to reduce hunger, alleviate poverty, and foster inclusive economic growth through farming and rural development.

“Over the years, CAADP has evolved from the Maputo and Malabo Declarations to the latest Kampala Declaration, reflecting shifting realities and ambitions,” Commissioner Vilakati noted.

“Yet despite these frameworks, the implementation across Member States has been uneven. Some countries have integrated CAADP principles into their national development plans and investment strategies, but many still face challenges in domesticating the agenda fully.”

The Commissioner highlighted that climate change impacts, rapid urbanisation, and growing food imports are intensifying pressure on Africa’s food systems.

“These challenges have raised the stakes for the new CAADP 2026–2035 Strategy, which was launched recently in South Africa,” he said. “The strategy’s focus on resilience, climate-smart agriculture, and farmer-led innovation is critical for building sustainable and self-reliant food systems.”

Financing agricultural transformation is role of AU

When asked about financial support, Commissioner Vilakati was clear about the AU’s role as a facilitator rather than a direct financier.

“The African Union does not provide direct funding to Member States, but we play a catalytic role by coordinating strategic partnerships with donors and development agencies. Ultimately, implementation must be country-led,” he explained.

He acknowledged a challenging geopolitical environment where traditional donor financing is shrinking, which calls for greater self-reliance.

“Many Member States have told me, ‘We need agriculture at the top of our agenda because food insecurity fuels conflicts.’ Reducing our reliance on imports, currently over $80 billion annually, is both an economic and security imperative.”

Moses Vilakati

Empowering youth and women, a strategic priority

With youth making up 60 to 70 percent of Africa’s population, the Commissioner emphasised that their inclusion is vital for agricultural transformation.

“Our strategy specifically targets youth engagement by leveraging digital technologies, which young people are enthusiastic about. For instance, the upcoming Job Summit in Addis Ababa will focus on creating 20 million jobs for youth in the agri-food sector,” Vilakati shared.

Equally important is women’s empowerment. “Historically, men have had easier access to funding, but we are working to close this gap. Empowering women and youth will accelerate progress and drive inclusive growth in agriculture,” he said.

Unlocking market access through AfCFTA

Smallholder farmers are central to Africa’s agricultural landscape.

Commissioner Vilakati pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a game-changer for these farmers.

“AfCFTA opens intra-African markets, allowing even small-scale producers to sell products across borders.

Currently, intra-African trade accounts for just 15% of total trade, but with digital platforms enabling virtual marketplaces, smallholders can access larger markets without needing face-to-face meetings,” he explained.

This market integration presents huge potential for raising farmer incomes, improving livelihoods, and increasing food security.

A vision rooted in urgency

Commissioner Vilakati underlined the need for multisectoral collaboration, involving ministries beyond agriculture, such as finance and economic planning, to mobilise resources and align strategies for effective CAADP implementation.

Reflecting on his personal motivation, he said, “COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine exposed Africa’s vulnerability. Nearly 30% of our wheat came from Ukraine, a country at war, causing hunger across the continent. If they are hungry, I feel their pain because they are my brothers and sisters.”

Additionally, he said, “Africa is rich in land, water, and expertise. We have no reason not to achieve food sovereignty.
Agriculture is not just an economic issue but a human issue. It creates jobs, boosts GDP, and helps prevent risky migration. This mission is deeply personal to me.”