ESAPN participated in the inaugural African Union Conference on Digital Agriculture held from December 2nd to 4th, 2025, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. Under the theme “Shaping Agricultural Policy for Africa’s Future,” the conference explored how innovation and climate-smart practices can drive sustainable development. ESAPN’s engagement emphasized that while digital transformation—including AI advisory, precision agriculture, and digital marketplaces—holds potential, it must be people-centered and inclusive of pastoralists.
The conference highlighted that digital tools can reduce losses and improve market access, but only if they are affordable and locally relevant. ESAPN advocated for the inclusion of women and youth as co-creators of these technologies, rather than just passive users. The network also stressed the need for harmonized data governance and standards to ensure that digital infrastructure (DPIs) like farmer registries and e-wallets actually benefit mobile communities. The “Agreed Priorities” of the conference, such as scaling youth- and women-focused innovations and mobilizing public-private financing, align with ESAPN’s mission to ensure that the digital divide does not further marginalize pastoral communities. By participating in this AU-led initiative, ESAPN is working to ensure that the future of African agriculture includes a digital landscape that is accessible and beneficial to all, including those in the most remote rangelands.
