Addis Ababa, January 9, 2025 (FMC) – Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, is at the forefront of a high-level delegation attending the African Union’s Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, focusing on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The summit, which runs from January 9 to 11, 2025, at the Speke Resort Conference Centre, aims to shape Africa’s agrifood systems for the 2026–2035 period.
Under the theme of advancing inclusive agrifood systems transformation for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity, the summit serves as a crucial platform for African leaders, regional organizations, and development partners. Key objectives include endorsing the *draft Kampala CAADP Declaration* and the *Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035)*. These documents are designed to facilitate agricultural transformation across the continent, building upon the achievements and insights gained from the 2014 Malabo Declaration.
Dr. Workneh’s involvement underscores IGAD’s dedication to regional food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Throughout the summit, he will engage in discussions with AU Heads of State, ministers, and various development partners to tackle pressing challenges and seize opportunities within the IGAD region. Essential topics include enhancing agricultural productivity, addressing the impacts of climate change, and improving regional collaboration in food systems.
A significant priority for the IGAD delegation is aligning its regional initiatives with the broader CAADP agenda. This alignment seeks to establish resilient agrifood systems, ensure food and nutrition security, and promote sustainable livelihoods among IGAD member states.
The summit will feature opening addresses from African Union heads of state, followed by deliberations on the draft *Kampala Declaration* and the *Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan*. Key discussions will also center around the establishment of African Union Centres of Excellence focused on fisheries, aquaculture, and biodiversity, emphasizing collaboration with various stakeholders, including non-state actors, youth, women, and academic institutions.
Since its launch in 2003, CAADP has been instrumental in propelling Africa’s agricultural transformation, pushing for a 6% annual growth rate in the sector and urging AU member states to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture. With the continent facing challenges in meeting the Malabo Declaration targets by 2025, this summit marks a critical juncture for African leaders to redefine strategies for inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.
As IGAD moves forward, the organization aims to strengthen partnerships with AU member states and development partners by leveraging the outcomes of the summit to further its regional objectives. Through the endorsement of the draft CAADP strategy and declaration, IGAD is poised to continue advocating for initiatives that foster sustainable economic growth, food security, and resilience in the Horn of Africa and beyond.