German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir inaugurated the first “Agricultural Policy Dialogue” (APD) office in Ethiopia. This partnership between a German ministry and the AU is designed to strengthen agriculture in the AU's 55 member states without creating new dependencies.

A German-African team and an agricultural attaché at the German Embassy in Addis Ababa will foster the exchange of knowledge and technology, aiming to develop local agricultural practices that are both sustainable and regionally appropriate.

Key priorities include engaging young people and empowering women to support sustainable development in Africa. Drawing on Germany’s expertise, AU countries will be able to further develop their agricultural systems in line with their specific needs.

Background Information

The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s (BMEL) concept for cooperation with Africa is based on a human-rights approach that addresses global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

It aligns with international objectives, including the UN’s Agenda 2030, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions sustainable transformation across the continent.

Long-term partnerships and networks are intended to strengthen local structures and foster an independent civil society, with young people and women as central actors in creating a sustainable agricultural future.