A landmark agriculture summit is underway in Uganda, bringing together African leaders to drive progress in sustainable agricultural growth and ensure food security across the continent.
Angola’s President Joào Lourenço, Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, and Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie are among the top dignitaries in attendance.
The three-day gathering aims to address Africa’s staggering $68 billion annual food import bill and transform the agricultural sector into a powerful engine of economic growth.
African leaders are expected to adopt a declaration outlining their commitment to transforming the agricultural sector and achieving key objectives, including developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems, expanding trade within Africa, and ensuring food security for 2.5 billion Africans by 2050.
Africa has the potential to become a global agricultural powerhouse, boasting 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, abundant water, diverse climates, and a dynamic youth population.
However, the continent faces significant obstacles, including limited financing, inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and slow adoption of modern technologies.
To address these challenges, the African Union has devised a new strategy focusing on developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems, expanding trade within Africa, creating employment opportunities for young people and women, and ensuring food security.
The meeting is seen as a critical step towards achieving Africa’s agricultural aspirations and unlocking the continent’s vast agricultural potential.
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