The African Union Commission convened the Continental Foresight Consultations for Agrifood Systems transformation in Nairobi, Kenya, from 8 to 10 December 2025, to support implementation of the CAADP Kampala Declaration under the Agenda 2063 “The Africa that We Want “. The consultations brought together stakeholders under the leadership of H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), and launched a structured, continental process to strengthen foresight capacities and enhance resilience across Africa’s agrifood systems.
The consultations aimed to strengthen and institutionalize inclusive foresight systems across Africa by improving risk-aware decision-making, advancing long-term agrifood resilience, and supporting the achievement of Agenda 2063 and CAADP Kampala Strategy and Action Plan objectives. Over the three days, participants assessed and mapped existing foresight capacities, mandates, tools, and institutional responsibilities, and initiated the co-development of a Continental Framework for Inclusive Foresight Integration and an AU Charter on institutionalizing foresight. The consultations also advanced practical outputs, including a mapping and institutional readiness report, a joint communiqué of commitments, guidance and capacity-building materials to support foresight uptake in national and regional planning cycles.
With Support from the World Bank, the consultations contributed to the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) Phase 3 under the Multiphase Programmatic Approach, which aims to increase the resilience of food systems and preparedness for food security in targeted parts of Eastern and Southern Africa. Under the FSRP focus on strengthening foresight systems, the Programme supports improved forecasting of shocks and policy reforms, explores options to reduce the time between shock identification and response, and promotes stronger early warning systems and research partnerships to translate foresight evidence into timely action.
In his opening statement, Commissioner Vilakati emphasized that the consultation provided a start of a sustained continental process aimed at improving preparedness, anticipatory governance, and long-term resilience across Africa’s agrifood sector.
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H.E. Vilakati highlighted the strategic importance of foresight as a core policy priority for the African Union. In a rapidly changing global environment characterized by climate shocks, geopolitical tensions, public health crises, volatile markets, and technological advances, foresight is essential for anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, guiding investments, and protecting vulnerable populations. This initiative aligns with key continental frameworks, including Agenda 2063, the Kampala CAADP Declaration, and the Food Systems Resilience Programme Phase 3, reinforcing Africa’s commitment to modern, climate-resilient agriculture and inclusive growth.
H.E. Vilakati encouraged participants on building the existing tools including integrated risk monitoring platforms, digital advisory services, and shock-responsive financing mechanisms. He further stressed the importance of anchoring indigenous, and community based early warning systems within AU and RECs frameworks through partnerships with farmer organizations, civil society, and traditional authorities.
The Commissioner outlined five key policy directions to guide the development of a continental foresight framework:
 Institutionalise foresight within the AU, the RECs and at the national systems.
 Integrate foresight into CAADP, climate and food systems agendas.
 Strengthen data, analytics and capacities across the continent to ensure high quality foresight.
 Elevate community, youth and gender-responsive perspectives that value indigenous and community-based knowledge systems; and
 Link foresight to concrete financing and accountability mechanisms.
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (MOALF) of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. Peter Orangi welcomed delegates and partners to the Inaugural Africa Continental Foresight Consultations for Resilient Agrifood Systems in Nairobi. This critical workshop convened key stakeholders from across the continent, including representatives of AUC, FARA, CGIAR, regional organizations, academia and member states, to address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s agrifood systems.
Dr. Orangi emphasized the critical timing of the consultations workshop amid increasing volatility caused by climate change, demographic shifts, market disruptions, environmental degradation, and recurrent shocks affecting Africa’s food systems. He highlighted the importance of continental frameworks such as the Kampala CAADP Declaration, Agenda 2063, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the Food Systems Resilience Programme, all of which advocate for anticipatory, evidence driven, and inclusive strategies to guide sustainable, long-term investments.
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Going forward, the African Union Commission, working with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, AUDA-NEPAD and technical partners, will validate and refine the draft Continental Framework for Inclusive Foresight Integration and will support implementation through a sustained coordination mechanism. The Commission and partners will operationalise a Continental Foresight Community of Practice and convene an annual continental stocktaking and peer-learning forum beginning in 2026 to review progress, share lessons, and iteratively strengthen the framework.
For further information, please contact:
Mukulia Kennedy Ayason I Policy Officer; Rural Infrastructure and Marketing I African Union Commission I Email Ayasonm@africanunion.org
Ms. Beatrice Egulu I Policy Officer, Food Security and Nutrition I African Union Commission I Email: NakacwaB@africanunion.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke I Information and Communications Directorate I African Union Commission I Tel: 0911-630631 I Email: molalett@africanunion.org
