“The success of the CAADP Kampala Agenda rests not on declarations alone, but on our ability to act with urgency and purpose.”

18 March 2026. Yaoundé, Cameroon- H.E Gabriel Mbairobe, Cameroon’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, set a decisive tone for a crucial high-stakes continental dialogue focused on result-oriented execution and tangible results rather than policy rhetoric. The high-level dialogue is underway from 17-19 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Republic of Cameroon.

A Continent done with promises

Africa has long been guided by frameworks like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which over two decades has shaped the policy, investments and inspired ambition. However, as highlighted during the high-level dialogue opening, ambition without implementation has cost the continent valuable time, jobs, and food security. Now, guided by the Kampala Declaration (2026–2035), and in line with the AU Agenda 2063 programme, Africa is attempting something different—a hard reset. This is not another conference or declaration, but a test of Africa’s resolve to deliver.

Why this moment matters

The urgency is undeniable. Across the continent, climate shocks are disrupting production, conflicts are destabilizing supply chains, and global market volatility is exposing vulnerabilities. Food security has become a strategic issue tied to sovereignty, stability, and economic survival, yet Africa’s growing population, the momentum of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and high-level political commitment create a unique opportunity that requires structured and actionable implementation.

Kampala: From talk to systems

Taking the stage, Estherine Lisinge-Fotabong, Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability at AUDA-NEPAD, delivered a message that cut through diplomacy: “We are not starting with speeches; we are starting with systems.”

For the first time, the CAADP Kampala Implementation Guidelines provide: clear modalities, practical tools, domestication frameworks, and investment-ready pathways. This is the difference- Kampala is not about what Africa wants to do, It is about how Africa will do it.

The Real Agenda: Food, Jobs, And Growth

Beneath the technical language of “guidelines” and “toolkits” lies a far more urgent mission to feed Africa, create jobs and drive economic growth!

As highlighted during the opening of the workshop, agriculture must be transformed from subsistence to a key driver of industrialization, employment for youth and women, and a magnet for public and private investment. Dr. Janet Edeme, Head of Rural Development Division and / Ag. Head, Agriculture, Food and Security Division at the African Union Commission reinforced this vision calling for disciplined, accountable, and results-driven transformation in line with the CAADP Kampala Declaration.

Country-led or nothing

A key takeaway of the opening of the dialogue is that Implementation will not come from continental frameworks—it will come from countries’ strong leadership.  The Guidelines call for coordination across agriculture, finance, trade, and environment streams. They also highlight the need for clear, costed investment plans and accountability systems that track real progress. For farmers, this must translate into better access to inputs, stronger markets, efficient value chains and increased profitability while for governments, it means one thing: Agriculture must become an engine of growth—not a sector of survival.

What Comes Next: From dialogue to delivery

The next two days of the workshop will focus on turning dialogue into practical action. Over the course of the workshop, participants from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, farmers organisations, private sector and partners will engage in technical sessions on analytics, diagnostics and ensuring countries use data and evidence to prioritize investments. This will be followed by intensive work on investment planning and execution readiness—translating commitments into costed, bankable national plans aligned with budgets and financing strategies.

Strengthening mutual accountability and learning systems will also be a priority agenda, alongside identifying and integrating Joint Sector Reviews and Biennial Review processes into national systems, while identifying capacity gaps, responsibilities, and immediate next steps for the first 6–12 months of implementation.

This is where the real test begins- turning guidelines into national action plans, and action plans into results!

The cost of delay

Africa has been here before. Delays in implementation are not neutral—they are lost opportunities- Lost jobs for millions of young people, lost income for farmers, and lost resilience in the face of global shocks.  As emphasized repeatedly on day one: Africa cannot afford another decade of slow execution. The Kampala cycle has begun with readiness, supported by existing tools, frameworks and support systems. What remains is political will and critical action.

Everyone has a role—No excuses left

This is not just a government agenda. The success of the CAADP Kampala Implementation Guidelines depends on governments aligning policy and financing, private sector investing in value chains and agribusiness, farmers and cooperatives driving production and innovation, youth and women leading enterprise and transformation, and development partners supporting scalable, country-led solutions, because transformation at this scale is not delivered by institutions alone- It is built through collective responsibility!

Officially opening the high-level workshop, H.E Gabriel Mbairobe reminded the delegates: “When you leave Yaoundé, leave with the hope that the work of this workshop will accelerate implementation and strengthen the transformation of African agrifood systems.”

What they said

H.E Gabriel Mbairobe:

“The success of the CAADP Kampala Agenda rests not on declarations alone.”

“We must act with urgency and purpose.” – Download the speech

Estherine Lisinge-Fotabong:

“The CAADP Kampala Guidelines, We are not starting with speeches; we are starting with systems.” “This decade must be defined not by promises, but by results.” – Download the speech

Dr Janet Edeme:

“The Kampala Declaration marks a new stage in Africa’s ambition.”

“Transformation will depend on how effectively countries act.” – Download the speech

A radical call to action

In closing, Africa’s leaders now face a defining choice to either continue the cycle of declarations and delays or implement—decisively, urgently, and at scale. The CAADP Kampala Implementation Guidelines are not just technical tools, they are a continental contract with Africa’s farmers, youth, and the future.

The time for dialogue is ending, the era of delivery must begin! 

Access the CAADP Kampala Implementation Guidelines on this link

For Technical Contacts:

Estherine Lisinge-Fotabong, Director: Agriculture, Food Systems and Environmental Sustainability, AUDA-NEPAD. Email: EstherineF@auda-nepad.org

Dr. Janet Edeme, Head, Rural Development Division (RDD) / Ag. Head, Agriculture, Food and Security Division (AFSD), African Union Commission (AUC). Email: edemej@africanunion.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms Zipporah Maubane, AUDA-NEPAD Communication and Advocacy Unit- Office of the CEO Email: ZipporahM@auda-nepad.org 

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke |Communication and Media Officer| Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | Email: MolaletT@africanunion.org

Ms Millicent Kgeledi, AUDA-NEPAD Communication and Advocacy Unit- Office of the CEO. Email: Millicents@auda-nepad.org