African Leaders Advocate for Action and Inclusive Growth at UN Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa – ENA English

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2025 (ENA) —  African leaders at the Second Food Systems Summit, held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa, called for a decisive shift from dialogue to concrete action to achieve sustainable and resilient food systems.

Both Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo and Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the critical roles of international cooperation and inclusive economic growth in transforming global food security.

The summit also served as a platform to showcase Ethiopia’s achievements in food system transformation, including green footprint initiatives, wheat and rice production, and student nutrition programs.

Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo emphasized the UN Food Systems Conference as a crucial platform for accelerating global food system transformation.

She underscored the summit’s vital role in assessing progress, renewing global commitments, and fostering collaboration.

“Transforming our food systems is not optional; it is essential for sustainable development, regional stability, and economic empowerment,” Alupo asserted.

The Vice President reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food system, citing established institutional frameworks such as the National Food System Development Framework, the Food System Coordination Committee, and the Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority.

Alupo also noted that Uganda’s food systems strategy is fully integrated into its National Development Plan and spotlighted the country’s comprehensive school feeding initiative, which integrates nutrition, education, health, agriculture, and community engagement.

She urged the conference to lead to strengthened international cooperation, increased financing, and the widespread adoption of local solutions, reiterating Uganda’s commitment to collaborating with global partners to ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all.

Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima on his part stressed that inclusive economic growth is vital for ensuring a sustainable food system, linking it directly to broader development goals.

He underscored that food security is a global issue with the potential to drive meaningful change worldwide.

“It’s time to move beyond words to action,” Shettima stated, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts in employment, investment, and capacity building for resilient food systems.

The Vice President also urged African financial institutions to play a stronger role in supporting food security agreements and ensuring they deliver tangible results.

Shettima advocated for creating an inclusive trading system to access global markets, noting its crucial role in driving economic growth and achieving sustainable food systems.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s progress in this area, pointing to national and institutional reforms that have strengthened policy implementation and enhanced the country’s agricultural and economic potential.

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