Germany has reaffirmed its support for an African-led approach to implementing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, as Zimbabwe works to strengthen its agricultural sector and improve food security.
Speaking at the 22nd CAADP Partnership Platform, Silke Stallkamp of the German Embassy in Addis Ababa said the success of continental agricultural commitments would depend on individual countries adapting them to their own circumstances, priorities and capacities.
“The importance of national ownership as African countries move from the Kampala Declaration towards practical implementation of the new CAADP strategy,” said Stallkamp.
She described CAADP as a “genuinely African-led and African-owned process”, saying development partners should listen to national priorities and provide expertise and resources where they are requested.
“For Zimbabwe, the implementation of CAADP 2026–2035 presents an opportunity to align continental agricultural objectives with national programmes aimed at improving food security, increasing productivity and strengthening resilience to climate change,” she said.
The strategy could support interventions in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, mechanisation, value addition, market access and the development of resilient agri-food systems.
“Germany’s technical and research expertise, as well as its agri-food business networks, could create opportunities for partnerships, investment and trade between Germany and African countries,” she stated.
The emphasis on national ownership places responsibility on countries such as Zimbabwe to translate continental commitments into practical programmes that benefit farmers and strengthen agricultural value chains.
“As CAADP 2026–2035 moves into its implementation phase, Zimbabwe will need to adapt the continental framework to its own agricultural conditions, farmer needs and development priorities,” Silke Stallkamp added.
The overall message from the Partnership Platform was summed up as follows: “Africa leads, countries domesticate, partners support, and farmers must ultimately feel the difference.”
