Latest news with #MalaboDeclaration
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
African countries urged to boost agricultural funding for food security
NAIROBI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- African governments must increase public investment in agriculture to strengthen food security and unlock sustainable economic growth, officials said Tuesday at a high-level summit in Kenya's capital, Nairobi. Held under the theme "Taking Ownership: Rethinking Sustainable Financing for Africa's Food Systems," the Financing Agri-food Systems Sustainably Summit 2025 brought together policymakers and sector stakeholders to explore financing solutions for transforming food systems across the continent. At the three-day forum, delegates said that although agriculture employs over 60 percent of the continent's population, it continues to receive disproportionately low investment. Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya's cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said the sector receives just three percent of the national budget despite contributing 22.5 percent to the country's gross domestic product. "By raising the budgetary allocation to 10 percent, we shall not only be adequately investing in the sector, but also meeting the requirements of the 2014 Malabo Declaration on the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and the Kampala CAADP Declaration of January 2025," Kagwe said. Such a move could increase productivity by 45 percent, eliminate post-harvest losses, and triple intra-African agri-trade by 2035, Kagwe added. Veronica Nduva, secretary general of the East African Community, said the region is working to modernize agriculture into climate-resilient, value-driven systems. She stressed the need for investment in infrastructure, technology, research, and inclusive financial access, especially for smallholder farmers. Moses Vilakati, commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment at the African Union, said via video link that the continent has committed to mobilize 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2035 for food system transformation. He urged the adoption of innovative financing tools that de-risk agri-investments and empower smallholders, especially women and youth, who form the backbone of food systems.
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
3rd Regional Workshop on Fisheries, Aquaculture, and the Blue Economy in Africa's Development
The 3rd Awareness Enhancing Workshop on the Importance of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Blue Economy in Africa's Socio-Economic Development, is being held from 07–09 April 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together key stakeholders from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, and civil society, and AWFISHNET South Africa Chapter to strengthen regional dialogue and action around Africa's aquatic wealth. Organized by AU-IBAR and AUDA-NEPAD, the workshop is focusing on the transformative potential of fisheries, aquaculture, and the blue economy in driving sustainable development, improving livelihoods, and contributing to food security and wealth creation on the continent. In remarks delivered by Mrs. Hellen Guebama on behalf of Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, the urgent need for increased public investment in the sector was highlighted, noting that limited funding has continued to hinder its full potential. She emphasized the importance of leveraging continental frameworks such as the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, and aligning efforts with the Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063. Participants were called upon to champion the value of fisheries and aquaculture in their respective countries to drive visibility, awareness, and policy support. She also acknowledged the strong partnerships with development actors, including the European Union, whose support to Fisheries Governance Projects has been instrumental in uniting stakeholders towards sustainable and inclusive management of Africa's blue resources. The workshop will feature technical presentations, knowledge exchange sessions, and group work focused on policy, governance, partnerships, and awareness strategies. Key expected outcomes are the development of draft national blue economy strategies, action plans, and coordination mechanisms, setting a solid foundation for scaling investments and impact across the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
