Uganda’s President, His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, has long been a passionate advocate for organic African foods. A firm supporter of locally grown agricultural products, he has consistently praised their superior quality and taste compared to genetically modified alternatives. His commitment to promoting Africa’s food sovereignty was reaffirmed at the recent African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), held from 9 to 11 January 2025 at the Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo in Uganda.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Kampala Declaration and the launch of a 10-year strategy aimed at transforming Africa’s agricultural and food systems. This ambitious initiative seeks to enhance food security, reduce post-harvest losses, and attract significant investment into the agricultural sector. Leaders across the continent emphasised the need for collective action to implement this plan effectively, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.
One of the key outcomes of the summit was the endorsement of the inaugural Africa Coffee Festival, scheduled to take place from 10 to 12 October 2025 in Ntungamo, Uganda. Led by the African Union First Vice Chairperson and President of Angola, João Lourenço, this initiative underscores the critical role of agriculture in Africa’s economic development, with a particular focus on eradicating hunger and strengthening food production systems.
Coffee has long been a contentious commodity in global trade, with African coffee farmers often receiving unfair prices for their produce while international buyers benefit from significant profit margins. The festival, themed “Africa Renaissance: Chapter One – Coffee,” will serve as a crucial platform to address these inequalities, advocate for fairer trade practices, and strengthen Africa’s presence in the global coffee market. By bringing together key stakeholders, the event aims to empower local farmers, ensuring they receive just compensation for their labour and produce.
During the summit, President Museveni reiterated his long-standing vision of commercialising agriculture as a pathway to economic growth. He stressed the importance of adding value to agricultural products and urged households to engage in farming enterprises suited to their available land. His stance aligns with the broader CAADP strategy, which calls for African nations to allocate at least 10 percent of their national budgets to agriculture. Museveni argued that with its vast tracts of arable land, abundant freshwater resources, and the world’s youngest population, Africa has the potential to become self-sufficient in food production. However, he noted that achieving this goal would require stronger collaboration among nations, increased investment, and the adoption of innovative agricultural practices.
The summit, attended by over 2,000 delegates, including agricultural experts, ministers, and heads of state from more than 40 African Union member countries, addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing Africa’s agricultural sector. Discussions focused on strengthening resilience in agrifood systems, promoting sustainability, and ensuring that African farmers receive the support they need to thrive. The launch of the Africa Coffee Festival shows coffee’s significance as both a cultural symbol and an economic driver for many African nations. The event, set to take place later this year, is expected to attract stakeholders from across the continent and beyond, providing a global platform to showcase Africa’s agricultural potential.
With these initiatives now in motion, Africa is positioning itself for a future where agriculture is not only a means of ensuring food security but also a powerful driver of economic growth, equity, and prosperity. The commitments made at the summit signal a collective determination to transform the continent’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that Africa’s vast resources are utilised effectively for the benefit of its people.