The African Union Commission (AUC) marked a significant milestone on 25th June, 2025 with the official launch of the Kampala CAADP Indicators, ushering in a new era for tracking agrifood systems transformation across the continent. The virtual launch brought together a diverse community of policymakers, researchers, farmers, civil society actors, and development partners, all committed to shaping a more inclusive and effective Biennial Review (BR) process under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
In her opening remarks, Janet Edeme, Head of the AUC’s Rural Economy Division, emphasized that the meeting aimed not just to present the new indicators, but to engage stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue about how the Kampala indicators will be implemented going forward. “We want this process to be as open, inclusive, and reflective of stakeholder needs as possible,” she said.
Agnes Kirabo presented the structure of the Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that will drive the Kampala framework, welcoming institutions and experts across the continent to join and contribute. “We want the Kampala BR to have a human face one that captures the realities of farmers and communities in our member states,” she said.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of balancing practicality with ambition. Dr Greenwell Matchaya from IWMI-ReSAKSS noted that, while ease of data collection is important, “we must not ignore meaningful indicators simply because they are difficult to track.” Dr Paul Fatch and Ms Karen Munoko reinforced the need for digital solutions and gender-responsive data systems, while Krishan Bheenick called for knowledge management tools to demystify data collection and use.
Several participants, including Jimmy Johnmark (ECOWAS), Bismark Nortey (Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana), and Aimable Twagirayezu (PAFO), called for greater inclusion of farmers in the process, proposing farmer-led data collection and awareness campaigns. Others, such as Dr. Fadi Abdelradi and Dr David Amudavi, urged the creation of platforms for academic collaboration and incentives for high-performing states.
CCARDESA, representing the SADC region, also weighed in during the dialogue. CCARDESA was represented by Dr Bridget Kakuwa-Kasongamulilo and Futhi Magagula. Mrs Kasongamulilo shared that the organization has strengthened national capacities to report on the Malabo Declaration through the CAADP-XP4 programme, improved data harmonization, and fostered knowledge sharing, contributions that will support the successful implementation of the Kampala indicators.
In closing, Dr Manyewu Mutamba, the AUDA-NEPAD Senior Programme Officer, Food Security , thanked participants and emphasized the Commission’s eagerness to see the Kampala BR framework implemented successfully across the continent. “The conversations we’ve had today will guide the next steps in operationalizing this important agenda,” he said.
As the indicators begin to be domesticated and piloted in member states, the emphasis will be on harmonization, continuous learning, and meaningful participation a strong foundation for transforming Africa’s food systems by 2030.
