Government begins domestication of Kampala agricultural framework

Theseus Mauruki Shambare

ZIMBABWE has begun the process of domesticating the CAADP Kampala Declaration, a new continental agriculture framework aimed at transforming Africa’s food systems beyond primary production into value addition, industrialisation and resilience building.

The development was highlighted during a three-day sensitisation workshop that kicked off this morning in Harare, bringing together Government officials, development partners and stakeholders to align national planning with the revised continental agenda, under the theme: “Building resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems (2026–2035).”

The CAADP Kampala Declaration is an African Union framework that shifts agriculture towards integrated, value-driven and climate-resilient agri-food systems, focusing on industrialisation, inclusivity and stronger policy coordination to improve food security and economic transformation across Africa.

The Kampala Declaration replaces the earlier Malabo framework and forms part of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which guides agriculture policy across the continent.

Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the process is aimed at ensuring alignment between national priorities and continental aspirations.

“We are working to ensure that our planning is aligned with the continental vision and that agriculture is increasingly viewed within a broader systems approach,” said Dr Masuka.

African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) representative Dr Rudo Makunike said the new framework reflects an expanded approach to agriculture development across Africa.

“This meeting is important because it is about aligning national processes with the continental vision for agri-food systems transformation,” she said.

Dr Makunike said the framework is designed to improve coordination and strengthen implementation of agriculture programmes across member states, while also promoting inclusive participation in the sector.

She said greater focus is now being placed on ensuring that agriculture development benefits women, youth and marginalised communities as part of broader economic transformation goals.

The domestication process is expected to inform Zimbabwe’s agriculture policy direction under its national development frameworks, as Government moves to strengthen food systems and promote value addition across the sector.