Addis ababa: African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Sacko, emphasized the need for African countries to collaborate and share experiences to address food self-sufficiency challenges across the continent.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Sacko underscored that food security remains one of Africa's persistent challenges. Despite the AU Agenda 2063's target to end hunger, progress has been slower than anticipated. She stressed that African agricultural models need to evolve beyond traditional methods, especially as nations face significant shocks to their food systems due to import dependency.
Sacko highlighted the importance of inter-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where agricultural products constitute about 70 percent of intra-African trade. By expanding trade between countries with surpluses and those with deficits, Africa can create jobs, improve food security, and reduce hunger and poverty. She also called for stronger partnerships with multilateral organizations and emphasized the importance of domestic resource mobilization.
The former commissioner advocated for African countries to take greater responsibility for their development projects, rather than relying solely on external aid. She noted, "Africa has a lot of potential to take its destiny in its hand," underscoring that sovereignty and ownership are critical to achieving long-term progress.
Sacko praised Ethiopia for its commendable progress toward food self-sufficiency and environmental conservation. She highlighted Ethiopia's successful shift away from wheat imports, stating, "On this matter, I can congratulate Ethiopia on its progress in its agricultural productivity. It particularly did a lot on wheat production. Today, you are not importing wheat. You are exporting." Additionally, she lauded Ethiopia's environmental efforts, such as the Green Legacy Initiative's tree planting programs, as a model for other African nations to emulate.
"Ethiopia is doing so well in terms of planting trees. It is exemplary for other African countries who should learn and practice," Sacko concluded.