The African Union (AU) is calling on the continent's youth to take an active role in transforming Africa's food systems. Speaking at the AU Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment Ambassador Josefa Sacko emphasized the critical role young people play in shaping the continent's agricultural future.
Ambassador Sacko encouraged youth to advocate for their needs, share innovative ideas, and inspire their communities to drive agricultural transformation. She noted that the youth have immense power to bring about change and must use their energy and creativity to transform Africa's food systems.
The AU's call to action is timely, given the continent's daunting agricultural challenges. With Africa's population projected to double by 2050, putting pressure on the continent's food systems, the need for innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions has never been more pressing.
Hailemariam Dessalegn, Board Chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that only 11 African countries are on track to meeting the AU's CAADP goals for youth and women. He emphasized the need for young people to take ownership of their future and drive agricultural transformation.
The AU's CAADP strategy, launched in 2003, has contributed significantly to Africa's agricultural progress, increasing agricultural GDP, average incomes, and agricultural output, while expanding agricultural trade and reducing hunger and poverty.
As the AU launches its new 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035), the focus is on prioritizing youth and women in efforts to transform food systems. The Mastercard Foundation has committed $10.1 billion to programs supporting young people's transition into dignified jobs, with 13.3 million youth benefiting, over half of whom are young women in agrifood systems.
The AU's push for youth-driven agricultural transformation is aligned with the continent's broader development goals, as outlined in Agenda 2063. By empowering young people to take the lead in transforming Africa's food systems, the AU aims to unlock the continent's full agricultural potential and ensure food security for generations to come .
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