The 21st CAADP Partnership Platform and the 16th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) were officially inaugurated today at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC). This year's theme, "From Malabo to Kampala: Accelerating Just, Resilient Agri-food Systems Transformation for Nutrition and Sustainable Growth",
The theme for the occasion is "From Malabo to Kampala: Accelerating Just, Resilient Agrifood Systems Transformation for Nutrition and Sustainable Growth.”
At the high-level opening plenary, Hon. MoS Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of State in Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), emphasized that Africa’s future depends on turning commitments into coordinated action. He urged leaders to sustain the momentum in Malabo through the CAADP Kampala Strategy for resilient agrifood systems.
"As we engage in the coming days, let us work together to identify practical pathways for accelerating the Kampala Strategy and making Africa’s agrifood systems a true engine of prosperity and nourishment for all."
The Minister also noted that as we commemorate the 16th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS), food security is about producing better, ensuring all Africans, especially children and vulnerable groups, have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.
Jean Paul Ndagijimana, Country Director - Rwanda, delivered remarks on behalf of President Alice Ruhweza at the 21st CAADP PPP Opening Session.
He emphasized a crucial message: strong governance is essential for accelerating Africa's food systems transformation.
"Africa’s food systems bear the deep imprint of a history shaped by colonial extraction and structural inequities. True reparative justice must therefore also mean reclaiming control over our food systems, restoring the dignity of our farmers, and creating fairer trade and investment pathways. Reparations are not only about financial restitution; they are about empowering Africans to build sovereign, resilient food systems that serve our people first." H.E. Mr. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Africa Union.
The 16th Anniversary of the Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) and the 21st CAADP Partnership Platform is taking place from October 29 to 31, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda. They provide a central forum for African leaders, policymakers, and partners to share experiences, lessons learned, and strengthen collaboration toward resilient and sustainable agrifood systems across the continent
Written By Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE