Nabbanja Calls for Urgent Action to Transform Africa into a Global Food Basket

Africa’s food security crisis remains a persistent challenge, exacerbated by climate change, conflicts, rapid population growth, and economic disruptions.

With over 280 million Africans suffering from chronic hunger, the continent’s food systems struggle to meet escalating demands. Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, has urged the continent to take urgent action to reverse these trends and transform Africa into a global food basket.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Ministerial Meeting for the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Nabbanja underscored the critical importance of self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on food imports.

“This session of the summit must come up with concrete proposals on how Africa can come out of this undesirable situation. To guarantee our future as Africans, we must feed ourselves,” she said.

Despite Uganda’s rich agricultural potential, the country imports significant amounts of food and agricultural inputs to meet domestic demand.

According to Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2023 Import Data, Uganda’s annual food imports cost approximately USD 600 million, with staple items like rice, wheat, and sugar dominating the list.

Agricultural Inputs: The country imports fertilisers, agrochemicals, and farming equipment worth over USD 200 million annually to support its underperforming agricultural sector.

These figures reflect a broader trend across Africa, where food imports collectively cost up to USD 100 billion annually.

Africa holds 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, abundant water resources, and rich soils. However, the continent remains a net importer of food due to underdeveloped agricultural systems, poor infrastructure, and trade barriers.

The Prime Minister outlined a series of recommendations to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential. She urged governments to prioritise food security and nutrition as central components of their national policies, emphasising the need for robust investment in these areas to guarantee sustainable development.

“We must invest in improved seeds, livestock, and innovative farming techniques to boost productivity,” said the Prime Minister, adding, “Irrigation and mechanisation are critical to mitigating climate change and enhancing production.”

Nabbanja further stated that Africa must stop exporting raw materials like coffee, cocoa, and tea. Instead, she emphasised the need to export finished, branded products that add value.

“We must remove trade barriers and take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote regional and national development.”

The summit aims to finalize the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, known as the Kampala CAADP Agenda. This strategy aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, envisioning a prosperous and food-secure continent.

Agriculture ministers, development partners, and regional representatives attending the summit are expected to adopt this strategy, reaffirming their commitment to accelerating agricultural development. The outcomes will be presented to the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government for endorsement.

As Africa faces mounting challenges, the Kampala summit represents a pivotal moment for the continent to reclaim its agricultural potential.

Uganda, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, is championing the cause, advocating for bold policies, regional collaboration, and innovative solutions to achieve food security.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area providing a platform for economic integration, there is optimism that Africa can shift from being a food importer to a leading exporter in global agricultural markets, ensuring a prosperous and food-secure future for its people.