Africa stands at a turning point and CAADP is the engine to drive its food systems transformation. This pivotal session will spotlight the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and its bold 2026–2035 Strategy and Action Plan, launched alongside the Kampala Declaration. With ambitious goals to mobilize $100 billion in investments, boost food production by 45%, triple intra-African agri-food trade, and cut post-harvest losses in half, the future starts now. Join policymakers and food system actors to align around CAADP’s six core commitments, from scaling sustainable production to strengthening governance, key indicators to measures the implantation and accountability framework to investment and financing mechanisms needed. Expect a deep dive into game-changing reforms around regional integration, input access, and logistics that are designed to drive real impact. Be part of the movement to turn this ambitious strategy into concrete, on-the-ground results. It is time to act, invest, and deliver Africa’s food future, together.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderator

• Mr. Georgie Ndirangu, Director of Programs, Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute (ALADI) & Media Personality

Opening Remarks

• H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Niger & African Union Special Envoy on Food Systems, AUDA-NEPAD

• Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson, Akademiya2063

Political Leadership – Charting the Future of African Food Systems

• Hon. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Republic of Rwanda

• Hon. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, Republic of Senegal

• Hon. Dr. Queta Baldé, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Republic of Guinea-Bissau

• Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture, Republic of Uganda

• Hon. Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Italian Republic

Partnering with Youth for Africa’s Agrifood Transformation

• Ms. Hannah Rotimi-Williams, Founder, Carmella Farms, Federal Republic of Nigeria

• Mr. Michael Kakande, Founder & Chairperson, Resilient 40

• Mr. Bond Tlhagale, Secretary General, CAADP Youth Network

Investment, Innovation & Inclusivity – Mobilizing Resources for CAADP

• Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Eastern African Farmers Association (EAFF)

• Ms. Arristine Mendes, Founder, Shaddaï Aquaculture, Republic of Senegal & Generation Africa Fellow

• Dr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President, Programme Management Department, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

• Dr. Martin Fregene, Director, Department of Agriculture and Agro-Industry, African Development Bank (AfDB)

Reflections

• Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Founder & Chair, Connect4Impact Advisory Group

Closing Remarks

• H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), African Union Commission (AUC)

Making the Conventions Work for Africa

Africa stands on the frontline of the world’s climate, biodiversity, and land crises, but it also holds the power to lead the world in solutions. This transformative plenary unites high-level leaders, technical experts, and passionate youth to align actions across the three Rio Conventions.

Building on momentum from COP28, the session focuses on translating global commitments into integrated, continent-wide action. Through bold dialogue, speakers will reveal practical pathways for how coordinated governance and community-driven solutions can restore ecosystems and secure resilient food systems.

A dedicated youth segment will spotlight the leadership of Africa’s next generation in a compelling fireside chat. Join this urgent call to unite the climate, nature, and land agendas under African leadership to build a sustainable future.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderator

• Ms. Femi Oke, Journalist & Media Personality

Opening Remarks

• Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director, Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)

Driving the Agenda: African Leadership in Environmental Policy

• Hon. Daouda Ngom, Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Republic of Senegal
• Hon. Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Environment, Arab Republic of Egypt
• Hon. Mawunyo Mila Ami Aziable, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Republic of Togo
• Hon. Gilberto Silva, Minister of Agriculture and the Environment, Republic of Cabo Verde
• Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Republic of Ghana
• Mr. Mohammed A. Ibrahim, CEO & Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Nigeria

Financing and Innovating: From Commitment to Action

• Dr. Peter Mbanda Umunay, Thematic Lead – Food Systems and Land Use, Global Environment Facility (GEF)
• Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
• Dr. Daniel Elger, CEO, Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI)
• Mr. Mahamadou Bassirou Traore, Regional Director for West Africa & National Director for Senegal, Trees for the Future

Interacting with Youth

• Mr. Fatawu Koniamu Bakari, Founder, Plastic Bottle Drip Irrigation for Drought Control
• Ms. Maguette Ba, CEO, Kéw Gi Agency; Youth Climate Advocate, UNICEF; Cyber Security Student, UNCHK; Member, Youth Volunteers for the Environment (JVE) Senegal
• Ms. Issah Muleikatu, Co-Founder, Tomavi Wines
• Ms. Clariece Ngumi, Founder, Arabuko Limited
• Ms. Marina Kamanzi, Kagezi Seeds, Zambia

Closing Reflections

• H.E. Jean-Marc Pisani, Head of Delegation, Senegal, European Commission