AGRA

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) signed a Memorandum of understanding aiming establishing a framework of cooperation to advance Agri-Food System Transformation in Africa in line with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration and its 10 Year Strategy and Action Plan.

In the margin of the Second Food System Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, H.E Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, at the African Union Commission, and H.E. Alice Ruhweza, the president of AGRA, signed the MOU, on 28 July 2025, on behalf of their respective organisations.

The signing event seeks to bind the two Parties to strengthen efforts and maintain a close and continuous collaboration for the achievement of the intended common agenda towards the implementation of the MOU. The overall goal is pursuing cooperation in the implementation of the Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) on “Sustainable and Resilient Agri-food Systems for a Healthy and Prosperous Africa.” and its associated Kampala declaration.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Commissioner Vilakati commended AGRA’s valued and trusted partnership with the African Union Commission, particularly in advancing the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme(CAADP). “Your continued support has been instrumental in shaping our collective progress, especially in building resilient food systems and empowering youth and women.”, he added.

“This MoU comes at a pivotal moment following the adoption of the CAADP Kampala Declaration and its 10-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035). It reaffirms our mutual commitment to transforming agrifood systems in Africa that is inclusive, climate-smart, and economically empowering.” Furthermore, Commissioner Vilakati expressed his confidence that this renewed agreement will intensify collaboration across several

priority areas, including supporting Member States in policy implementation, promoting inclusive agrifood systems, driving climate-resilient innovations, and advancing joint advocacy for Africa’s priorities.”

On her part, Ms. Ruhweza, stated that “It’s a special moment to be signing the first MoU between AGRA and the African Union, especially as we take stock of the UN Food Systems Summit. Everyone is ready for the transformation we’ve been waiting for. Agriculture must reclaim its place as Africa’s engine for economic growth. We know it’s possible it’s our one trillion-dollar opportunity. We have the youngest continent, we have the natural resources, and we have everything we need to transform.”

“AGRA is ready to deliver, both in the countries we currently operate in and beyond. We are expanding our support to accelerate delivery on the CAADP agenda. With the combined force of political leadership and technical expertise that this partnership brings, we are fully committed to walking this journey together.” – H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, AGRA Board Chair and Former Prime Minister Ethiopia.

The MoU signing bind the two parties in the following areas of cooperation among others:

• Strengthening country and regional coordination and accountability mechanisms;
• Promoting inclusive policies that empower youth, and women in the agrifood sector;
• Building resilient agrifood systems through the integration of climate-smart practices, sustainable agriculture techniques, and innovations;
• Establishing and driving continental level advocacy vehicles and platforms to accelerate sector transformation and share best practices emerging from country and regional implementation of CAADP;
• Supporting the development and implementation of joint initiatives aimed at enhancing food security, improving productivity, and fostering climate resilience in Africa’s agrifood systems;
• Strengthening capacity building and knowledge exchange between the Parties to advance the transformation of Africa’s agrifood systems.

AGRA is an African led, not-for-profit organization which promotes an inclusive and sustainable agricultural transformation in Africa to help millions of small-scale farmers towards increased incomes, better livelihoods, and improved food security. It’s vision is to contribute to a food system-inspired inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa, to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and adapt to climate change.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communications Directorate; AU Commission WhatsApp 0911-630631; Email: molalett@africanunion.org

Mwandwe Chileshe | Lead – External Engagements and Advocacy | AGRA| E-mail: MChileshe@agra.org