The African Union (AU) Conference on Digital Agriculture kicked off on Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, with a call to harness advanced technologies to spur agricultural transformation and build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across Africa.
Running from Monday to Wednesday, the conference is taking place under the theme “Shaping Agricultural Policy for Africa’s Future: Digital Innovations, Climate-Smart Practices for Agri-Food System Transformation.”
Opening the event, Chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said through innovation and digital tools, Africa can unlock productivity, strengthen resilience, and create inclusive opportunities for farmers, women, and youth.
“Agriculture is a priority sector under this strategy because digital tools can revolutionize value chains, improve market access, and enhance climate resilience,” he said.
Noting that agriculture is the lifeblood of Africa and sustains over 60 percent of its population, contributes significantly to national economies, Youssouf the use of digital agriculture is no longer a choice but a necessity for Africa’s survival and prosperity.
He said despite its importance, agriculture faces persistent challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation affecting agricultural production across the continent.
“Limited access to finance, markets, and inputs especially for the Youth and the Women, Post-harvest losses and inefficiencies significantly affecting the food system and the urgent need to attract and retain youth in agriculture,” he said.
The chairperson has called on African governments to apply digital tools to revolutionize their agricultural value chains, improve market access, and enhance climate resilience.
“No single African government or institution can achieve this transformation alone. Digital agriculture thrives through collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines,” he said.
The chairperson called on African governments, development partners, private sector actors, and research institutions to join forces, so Africa not only adopts digital agriculture but leads in shaping its future.
MG/abj/APA