Africa’s culinary and policy leaders launch landmark food sovereignty gathering in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2025 (FMC)  – The African Chefs Gathering and Policy Convening on African Food Systems officially opened this morning in Addis Ababa with a call to reassert the centrality of African culinary heritage and align food systems with climate resilience and sustainability goals.

Held under the theme “My Food Is African: Chefs and Changemakers Shaping Food Futures,” the three-day event is jointly organized by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Planning and Development. It brings together more than 100 participants from across the continent, including renowned chefs, government officials, agroecology advocates, and civil society leaders.

Delivering the government’s opening message on behalf of Minister of Planning and Development Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Ms. Hana Abebe welcomed participants and emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of food in Ethiopia’s national identity and economy.

“Our food systems nourish our people, shape our culture, and drive our economy,” she said, noting that climate shocks, land degradation, and erratic weather now pose urgent threats to traditional farming and food production.

Ms. Hana highlighted Ethiopia’s multifaceted policy response to the climate crisis, including the implementation of the Climate Resilient Strategy, National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contribution, and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy. She also emphasized the government’s commitment to aligning food systems transformation with climate action through investments in climate-smart agriculture, reforestation, and empowerment of smallholder farmers.

“We are proud to host this important event here in Ethiopia—a country where food is not only nourishment but a symbol of culture, community, and identity,” she stated, while reaffirming the government’s strong partnership with AFSA and inviting participants to upcoming climate gatherings scheduled for September in Addis Ababa.

The opening ceremony also featured remarks by AFSA General Coordinator Dr. Million Belay, AFSA Board Member Dr. Fassil Gebeyehu, Sida Africa’s Senior Program Manager Ayele Kebede, and Hon. Françoise Uwumukiza, Chairperson of the East African Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources.

The day’s sessions continued with inspirational storytelling by Chef Audray Akakpo, a chef-led panel on “The Sacredness and Gift of African Food,” a celebration of Ethiopian cuisine, and case studies highlighting community-driven agroecological innovation from across the continent.

The gathering aims to culminate in the development of a chef-led Declaration on African Food Sovereignty, outlining key policy priorities to protect local food systems and promote healthy, sustainable diets grounded in Africa’s cultural identity.