Addis Ababa, 2 December 2025 — The African Union (AU) Conference on Digital Agriculture opened this week in Ethiopia’s capital with a strong call to harness advanced technologies to drive agricultural transformation and build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across the continent.

Running from Monday to Wednesday, the conference is being held under the theme “Shaping Agricultural Policy for Africa’s Future: Digital Innovations, Climate-Smart Practices for Agri-Food System Transformation.”

In his opening remarks, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that innovation and digital tools 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.

Youssouf noted that agriculture remains the lifeblood of Africa, sustaining more than 60 percent of the population and contributing significantly to national economies. He stressed that adopting digital agriculture is no longer optional but essential for Africa’s survival and prosperity.

Despite its importance, the sector continues to face persistent challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, limited access to finance and markets, and post-harvest losses. These issues, he said, disproportionately affect women and youth, underscoring the urgent need to attract and retain younger generations in agriculture.

The chairperson urged African governments to apply digital tools to revolutionize agricultural value chains, improve market access, and enhance climate resilience. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating: “No single African government or institution can achieve this transformation alone. Digital agriculture thrives through cooperation across borders, sectors, and disciplines.”

Youssouf called on governments, development partners, private sector actors, and research institutions to join forces, ensuring that Africa not only adopts digital agriculture but also leads in shaping its future.