Uganda Hosts Continental APA 2025 Conference, Showcases Leadership in Climate Smart Potato and Sweetpotato Innovation
Uganda is taking center stage in the advancement of agricultural innovation as it hosts the 13th African Potato Association (APA) Conference, drawing over 300 delegates from across Africa and beyond to Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The high level conference, running from May 26th to May 30th, is spotlighting groundbreaking research and development in potato and sweetpotato, with a strong focus on climate-smart and nutrition sensitive agriculture.
Officiating the opening ceremony, Uganda’s Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, hailed potato and sweetpotato as more than staple crops calling them strategic tools for tackling hunger, malnutrition, and climate change.
“Potato and sweetpotato are not just food crops; they are strategic assets in achieving climate resilience, nutrition, and rural transformation,” Hon. Tumwebaze declared.
Organized by Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in partnership with the African Potato Association (APA), the conference is convening participants from more than 20 African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, as well as global delegates from the USA, UK, Netherlands, and others.
Held under the theme “Fostering Climate-Smart Cropping Systems for Sustainable Potato and Sweetpotato Value Chains,” the event is a showcase of scientific progress and continental cooperation in building resilient food systems.
Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General of NARO and President of the African Potato Association, underscored Uganda’s commitment to agricultural science, noting that the country has emerged as a continental leader in developing climate-resilient, nutrient-rich crop varieties.
“Uganda has developed improved potato varieties, including purple-fleshed and beta-carotene-rich types, that are contributing to the fight against Vitamin A deficiency across Africa,” Dr. Baguma stated.
He emphasized the need for sustainable financing in research to ensure the future of food and nutrition security for generations to come.
The conference is not only a forum for sharing scientific insights but also a hub for showcasing innovation. A vibrant exhibition pavilion features cutting edge technologies in seed systems, mechanization, postharvest handling, and value addition all aimed at reducing losses, improving rural incomes, and driving agro industrial growth.
Dr. Kassim Sadik, Deputy Director General for Agricultural Technology Promotion at NARO, called for stronger partnerships with the private sector to commercialize agricultural innovations and drive inclusive development.
Joyce Maru, Regional Director at the International Potato Center (CIP), praised Uganda’s science-led development strategy, urging deeper collaboration between research institutions and market actors.
Hon. Tumwebaze also lauded NARO’s expansive network of 16 public research institutions and its contributions to elevating sweetpotato as Uganda’s third most important crop.
He highlighted the need to scale up value addition and tap into growing urban demand for processed products like crisps and chips.
Supported by key international partners including the CIP, Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA), World Food Programme (WFP), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), APA 2025 stands as a powerful statement of Africa’s resolve to lead in sustainable agriculture and nutrition innovation.
As the continent grapples with food insecurity, malnutrition, and the impacts of climate change, Uganda’s hosting of this landmark event signals a bold step forward in positioning African science and innovation at the forefront of global agricultural transformation
