A critical milestone in Africa’s agricultural transformation agenda unfolded as the Regional Dialogue on Food Systems Transformation in Eastern and Southern Africa took place from May 21–23 at the Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Held under the theme “Making Food Systems Transformation a Reality on the Ground,” the event brought together ministers of agriculture, senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and regional institutions. Convened by the World Bank’s Food Systems 2030 Multi-Donor Trust Fund and co-hosted by the Governments of Malawi and Ireland, the Dialogue focused on translating the Kampala Declaration into actionable steps to build inclusive, resilient, and market-driven food systems across the region.
 |  |  |
A Call for Delivery, Not Delay
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Rt. Hon. Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, delivered a powerful message emphasizing urgency, unity, and accountability:
“Yes, we understand that it is imperative that we work together to transform our food systems to ensure sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity for all. Let us embrace accountability mechanisms that track our progress—not for external approval, but because our citizens deserve delivery, not delay.”
He praised the regional nature of the dialogue and urged countries to embed the outcomes into national development plans and budgets. Dr. Usi also reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to the agenda, citing progress under the National Agriculture Investment Plan and the President’s ATM Strategy (Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining).
Earlier, in the opening session, Hon. Sam Dalitso Kawale, Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the region’s escalating food insecurity and the need for urgent, coordinated action:
“In 2024, over 120 million people in our region required urgent food assistance - more than double the number in 2016. This is a clear call for bold action. We must build food systems that are resilient, equitable, and responsive to the realities on the ground.”
AU Commissioner of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Highlights Regional Commitment and FSRP’s contribution
In his closing remarks, H.E. Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner, delivered a message on behalf of the AUC Chairperson, emphasizing that the Dialogue should mark the beginning of concrete action towards transforming food systems across the continent.
He recognized the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) as a key mechanism supporting climate adaptation, food security, and regional integration. He commended the World Bank and other partners for their support. He also urged countries to align national policies with continental frameworks such as CAADP, emphasizing that real transformation must reach farmers and communities on the ground.
“Declarations alone are not enough—we need implementation backed by investment, coordination, and accountability,” the Commissioner stressed.
 |  |  |
CCARDESA’s Strategic Contribution
The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), one of the FSRP regional coordinating organisations,actively participated in the Dialogue, making contributions through two high-level panel discussions on:
- Building climate-resilient agri-food systems; and
- Enhancing regional trade and market integration.
Charting the Way Forward
The Dialogue concluded with six priority actions to guide future implementation:
- Accelerate domestication of the Kampala Declaration through inclusive national strategies;
- Repurpose agricultural public expenditure for efficiency and impact;
- Embed food systems resilience and climate-smart agriculture in national plans;
- Mobilize the private sector for inclusive and sustainable growth;
- Unlock regional trade through harmonized policies and infrastructure investments; and
- Scale digital and technological innovations for greater productivity and climate adaptation.
With renewed energy and strong commitments from across the region, the Dialogue laid a solid foundation for coordinated action and regional cooperation. CCARDESA, through its leadership under FSRP, will continue to support countries in translating commitments into practical, scalable outcomes that advance food and nutrition security and sustainable development across Eastern and Southern Africa.
