By Ms. Alice Ruhweza and Mr. Joost Guijt
Africa’s food systems face a critical juncture. The path forward is becoming clearer with the launch of the African Union’s Strategy and Plan of Action for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). CAADP is the vehicle chosen to drive the implementation of the Kampala Declaration, adopted in January 2025 and set to begin in January 2026. The Kampala Declaration sets lofty goals for transforming Africa’s diverse agri-food systems between 2026 and 2035, following the Malabo Declaration which concludes in December 2025.
Despite the goals of the Malabo decade, many countries achieved less-than-desired progress. Between 2015 and 2021, Africa’s economy grew by an average of 3-4% annually, but the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita increased more modestly as population growth outpaced income growth. This, combined with headwinds like climate shocks, pandemics, and global disruptions, exacerbated structural weaknesses in food systems. The result is grim: more than 20% of Africa’s population – 257 million people – suffer from food insecurity, with severe hunger problems and crisis levels in regions like the Sahel and Horn of Africa. These deeply complex challenges underscore the urgent need for dynamic food systems leaders.
To improve agri-food policies in today’s complex world and overcome these challenges, Africa must marshal a critical mass of African leaders at all levels. The task ahead requires strengthening collaborative leadership and implementation networks across Africa’s agri-food systems. The opportunity lies in CAADP and all partners supporting the Kampala Declaration to embrace and promote investment in the people who can make positive change happen.
Transformative change
Africa needs to produce a new generation of ‘doer’ leaders spanning the private, public, and civic sectors, capable of navigating complex food systems. These leaders are not born; they are intentionally nurtured. With public budgets and international aid resources under pressure, the most resource-effective choice is to invest in Africa’s human capabilities and networks that can drive the transformation envisioned. Men and women across Africa are already taking risks and innovating. With the right mindset and support networks, they can create transformative change.
Consider Kelvin Odoobo, CEO of Shambapro. His Rwanda-based agtech startup helps small farm businesses access finance, quality inputs, and reliable markets. Kelvin enhanced his impact through his experience with the African Food Fellowship (AFF) and the AGRA-led Center for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA). He now integrates a learning tool into the Shambapro App, equiping farmers with essential knowledge in climate-smart agriculture, practical agroecology, and regenerative farming practices. Learning the importance of connecting people through AFF and CALA, Shambapro has evolved beyond its original purpose, facilitating connections between stakeholders across the agricultural value chain via the Shambapro Hub. Kelvin runs a fast-growing agribusiness and achieves better food sector collaboration – the latter being a skill he learned through AFF and CALA.
Alice is AGRA President and Joost is the Director, Africa Food Fellowship
