AU Seed Summit Builds on Kampala Declaration to Advance Africa’s Food Security

**By UG Diplomat Reporter**

Uganda was represented at the ministerial meeting of the inaugural African Union (AU) Africa Seed Summit by Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Desire Muhooza, as African countries convened in the Kingdom of Eswatini to discuss strategies for strengthening seed systems and improving food security across the continent.

The summit, held from October 5 to 7, 2026, under the theme *“Resilient Seed Systems for a Food Secure Africa,”* brought together government officials, agricultural researchers, seed industry players, farmers’ organisations and development partners to address challenges affecting the availability, affordability and quality of seeds.

The meeting was convened by the African Union Commission and hosted by the Kingdom of Eswatini, with discussions focusing on mobilising public and private investment, improving seed regulations, promoting agricultural technologies and expanding farmers’ access to quality planting materials.

The summit stems directly from the 2025 Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration, which provides a continental framework for advancing agricultural transformation, strengthening food systems and improving Africa’s capacity to feed its population.

The AU developed a concept note that guided the summit’s discussions, identifying persistent challenges in Africa’s seed sector, including underfunded agricultural research, weak enforcement of seed regulations, counterfeit seeds and inadequate distribution networks.

According to the concept note, many African countries have established seed policies and regulatory frameworks, but implementation remains a significant challenge. Inadequate funding for crop breeding programmes and limited investment in research institutions have also constrained the development and distribution of improved crop varieties.

The document further highlights the limited uptake of newer crop varieties, noting that farmers in several African countries continue to rely on older varieties despite the availability of newer, potentially higher-performing alternatives.

### Summit seeks increased investment in seed systems

One of the summit’s central objectives was to mobilise political commitment towards sustained public investment in the seed sector while unlocking opportunities for private investors and development partners.

The summit also sought to promote a supportive legal and regulatory environment that would encourage investment in seed production, processing, distribution and marketing.

Participants considered the importance of strengthening seed quality assurance, addressing counterfeit seeds, harmonising regional seed trade regulations and using digital technologies to improve inspection, certification and distribution.

The summit was also expected to launch the Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) 2025 Status Report for Africa, intended to support monitoring of seed systems across AU member states under the CAADP Biennial Review framework.

### Farmers’ seed systems and climate resilience

The summit’s agenda extended beyond formally certified commercial seeds to recognise the role of farmer-managed seed systems in supporting agricultural production, biodiversity and rural livelihoods.

The AU concept note identifies opportunities to strengthen community seed banks, recognise farmers’ varieties within national regulatory frameworks and improve coordination between formal and informal seed systems.

Participants also considered the role of biotechnology, digital agriculture and other technologies in accelerating agricultural development, alongside the need to develop productive, nutritious and climate-resilient crop varieties.

These priorities are particularly relevant to smallholder farmers, who require reliable access to suitable seeds at affordable prices and before the start of planting seasons.

### Ministers adopt outcome document

According to the African Union Commission’s post-summit press release, ministers adopted the Ezulwini Outcome Document, which outlines commitments to improve affordable and timely access to quality seeds and planting materials, particularly for smallholder farmers, women and young people.

The document calls for increased investment in plant breeding, agricultural research and seed enterprises, as well as support for community seed banks, farmer networks and local seed businesses.

Ministers also requested the establishment of an integrated African Seed and Gene Bank System, including a continental institution working alongside national and regional gene banks to strengthen the conservation and use of Africa’s plant genetic resources.

The recommendations further call for harmonised seed policies and standards, fewer barriers to intra-African seed trade, increased public and private investment, and regular monitoring of implementation.

The outcome document and its recommendations are to be submitted through the appropriate African Union policy organs for consideration, validation and formal endorsement.

The African Union Commission said the summit’s conclusions should provide a roadmap for cooperation among member states, regional economic communities, research institutions, farmers’ organisations, development partners and private-sector players.

For Uganda, participation in the ministerial meeting provides an opportunity to engage in continental discussions on agricultural research, seed quality, investment and regional trade within the framework of the CAADP Kampala Declaration.

The summit’s longer-term impact will depend on how participating countries translate the agreed priorities into national policies, sustained financing and practical measures that improve farmers’ access to quality seeds and strengthen Africa’s food security.