AU Commission Chair Faki Calls for Agricultural Transformation to Tackle Africa’s Food Challenges

Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has called for a renewed commitment to agricultural development to address the persistent challenges of famine and malnutrition across the continent.

Speaking on Africa’s vast potential, Faki highlighted the continent’s significant assets, including its youthful population—accounting for more than 60%—and its control of 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, water, and forest resources.

Despite these advantages, Faki noted, millions of Africans continue to suffer from malnutrition. “Facing this challenge is Africa’s greatest test,” he said, emphasizing the need to prioritize agriculture as a critical sector for transformation.

He stressed that this can be achieved by investing in advanced tools and technologies such as mechanization and digitization to boost productivity.

Faki also expressed concern over the slow progress in achieving agricultural commitments, as reflected in bi-annual reviews under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). While the reviews show some advancements, he deemed the results unsatisfactory.

In addition, he warned against the growing trend of Africa’s arable land being taken by foreign powers. “We must protect our land to ensure it serves the needs of Africans,” Faki stated.

Looking ahead, he called for a united effort to make Africa’s agricultural sector a symbol of hope and sustainability.

“As CAADP embarks on its transformative journey, the African food basket should reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every African has access to nutritious food,” he said.

Faki’s remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to harness Africa’s vast resources for the benefit of its people, making food security a cornerstone of the continent’s development agenda.