The APD AU project is located at the heart of the African Union, more precisely at the Commissariat for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Blue Economy. The aim is to strengthen the African Union Commission (AUC) in its implementation of the agricultural policy strategy Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Plan (CAADP).
In addition to researching and building a network on site, the project team was entrusted with carrying out activities right from the outset. The reason for this is that AU 2024 was involved in the process of redesigning the CAADP strategy for the next 10 years – the so-called Kampala Declaration – and needed all the support that it could get. To this end, the APD AU dispatched experts to the technical committees that shaped the content of the Kampala Declaration and the associated CAADP Action Plan. At the same time, a consultative process was put in place involving consumer groups that had not previously been involved in the consultations on redesigning the policy. In addition, the secretariat, which is responsible for implementing the Kampala Process, was provided with expertise and personnel. Fortunately, the Kampala Declaration was adopted by African heads of state and government in early January 2025.
In addition, the African Youth in Agribusiness Forum (AYAF) played an important role last year: the forum brought together young entrepreneurs from all over Africa who were working together to draw up proposals for better implementation of the AU’s agricultural policy. This has led to the formation of regional nuclei of committed young entrepreneurs who will continue to support implementation of the strategy.
We are building on the momentum from the project’s eventful first year and are looking forward to supporting the Commission in implementing the policy. However, before implementation of the Kampala Declaration and the CAADP Action Plan can begin, two changes within the political leadership of the agricultural commission and the federal ministry for agriculture need to be taken on board. We are therefore looking forward to an exciting time ahead, from which we intend to emerge stronger.
