FAO calls for stronger implementation to turn CAADP commitments into results

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Africa’s new decade of agrifood transformation must move beyond commitments to implementation, investment and measurable results, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has said at the 22nd Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform in Harare.

Held from 15–18 September under the theme “Strengthening Political Leadership, Implementation Readiness, Financing, Partnerships, Mutual Accountability and Delivery at All Levels,” the Platform brought together governments, African Union institutions, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, financial institutions, farmers’ organizations, the private sector and civil society.

The meeting was held at a critical point following the adoption of the Kampala Declaration and CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, which provide a renewed continental direction for agricultural transformation, food security and nutrition, job creation, resilience, intra-African trade and inclusive economic growth. The Platform is intended to help countries translate these commitments into implementation priorities, investments and measurable results.

FAO was strongly represented at the meeting - from the Subregional Office for Southern Africa, the Regional Office for Africa and headquarters. Speaking during the opening high-level dialogue on CAADP Kampala implementation readiness, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, Patrice Talla, said the priority now is delivery.

“The key challenge facing Africa is no longer agreeing on policies and commitments, but ensuring effective implementation, financing, accountability and delivery at scale. Our priority now is to convert continental commitments into practical action, credible investments, and measurable results at country and regional levels.”

The message was echoed by AUDA-NEPAD Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination, Estherine Lisinge-Fotabong, who, in her opening remarks, said: “This is not another moment for declarations. It is the moment to demonstrate delivery.”

From commitments to country-led action

For FAO, implementation readiness begins with domestication – translating continental commitments into national targets, costed priorities, policies, programmes, budgets and investment plans.

The new CAADP framework also embraces an agrifood systems approach, requiring stronger coordination beyond agriculture ministries. Finance, planning, trade, health, nutrition, environment, water and local government, alongside producers, the private sector and civil society, all have a role to play.

FAO’s support is focused on five interconnected areas: policy and investment planning; financing and resource mobilization; institutional and technical capacity; data and mutual accountability; and partnership alignment. In Southern Africa, FAO is already supporting Malawi and Mozambique to align national agrifood systems policies and investment plans with the Kampala framework.

FAO is also helping countries develop bankable investment programmes and connect national priorities with domestic budgets, development and climate finance, blended finance and responsible private investment.

For Zimbabwe, the discussion provided an opportunity to highlight how targeted investment can unlock agricultural production and attract further private-sector participation. Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Anxious Masuka, highlighted investments in irrigation and agricultural infrastructure as important drivers of increased production.

He noted that Zimbabwe’s wheat production had increased from about 94 000 tonnes in 2018 and is projected to reach 700 000 tonnes in 2026, while the area under irrigation expanded from 171 000 hectares to 305 121 hectares, with the private sector accounting for nearly 82 percent of the expansion.

The Minister also stressed the role of government in creating conditions for investment, noting that governments should invest in areas that have not yet reached a level capable of attracting private-sector investment, while creating an enabling environment for private investment.

Making accountability drive delivery

A key mechanism under discussion is the CAADP Delivery Compact, designed to bridge commitments and implementation by bringing together priority actions, institutional responsibilities, financing pathways, technical support and measurable milestones.

FAO is supporting stronger use of the CAADP Results Framework, Biennial Reviews, Joint Sector Reviews and national monitoring systems to track progress, identify bottlenecks and strengthen mutual accountability.

The proposed 30, 90 and 180 day milestones will help maintain momentum after Harare and ensure that the Partnership Platform serves as an implementation milestone rather than a stand-alone event.

“The Kampala Declaration provides the vision. The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan provides the roadmap. The Delivery Compacts can provide the practical bridge to implementation,” Talla said.

FAO’s approach is therefore centred on helping countries finance, coordinate, implement, monitor and deliver under the FAO CAADP domestication Agenda. Bringing together policy advice, investment planning, technical assistance, analytical tools, capacity development and field-level support. FAO will disseminate relevant tools, build capacity on the use of those tools and support tracking of progress on the CAADP Kampala targets as guided by the Biennial review process.

As Africa begins implementing the Kampala agenda, FAO remains committed to working with the African Union Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, Regional Economic Communities, Member States and partners to translate continental ambition into more productive and resilient agrifood systems, improved food security and nutrition, stronger regional trade, and expanded opportunities for women and young people.