The opening ceremony of the 12th ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference delivered a powerful call to advance Africa’s food systems through evidence, investment, and collaboration. Moderated by Eugene Anagwe, the session combined vibrant cultural performances by the Inganzo Ngari traditional dancers with strategic insights from government, partners, and ANAPRI leadership. The event was graced by Rwanda’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, alongside other distinguished guests.
POLICY COHERENCE AND CAADP 3.0: TRANSLATING CONTINENTAL COMMITMENTS INTO NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
Session 2 of the ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference unpacked how CAADP 3.0 can shift from continental aspiration to genuine national transformation. Key insights included:
• The move to CAADP 3.0 marks a renewed focus on policy coherence, multisectoral coordination, and results-driven implementation.
• Continental commitments need to be grounded in national realities through early domestication of the Kampala Declaration.
• Effective policymaking depends on strong evidence systems, reliable data, and trusted relationships between researchers and policymakers.
• Governance gaps, institutional fragmentation, and inconsistent funding continue to impede progress.
• Country experiences from the DRC, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Kenya highlighted both notable gains and critical structural challenges.
• Smarter public spending, blended financing, and investment in research and extension remain vital for driving transformation.
• The Biennial Review can play a stronger role in informing policy adjustments and tracking progress.
Overall, the session underscored that CAADP 3.0 provides flexible guidelines rather than rigid templates. Turning these commitments into action calls for strengthened governance, coherent investments, and close collaboration among governments, researchers, development partners, and the private sector.
NAVIGATING GLOBAL DISRUPTIONS AND BUILDING RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS IN AFRICA
The first session of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes Stakeholders Conference offered powerful insights on how Africa can strengthen its food systems amid growing global uncertainty. Key points included:
• Global disruptions are now constant, making resilience an urgent priority.
• Smarter investments, stronger institutions, and evidence-led decisions are essential.
• Coordination across public, private, and development partners remains central to effective response.
• Shrinking donor funding means governments must achieve more with limited resources.
• Agriculture will attract young people when it becomes profitable and better organised.
• Advancing the AfCFTA and addressing policy harmonisation gaps will unlock greater intra-African trade.