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Honoring Commissioner Josefa Sacko - A Visionary Leader for AU DARBE
Posted by Patricia Lumba on 27 February 2025 9:40 AM CAT
By Mwenda Mbaka. Feb, 2025
As we bid farewell to Commissioner Josefa Sacko, we reflect on a transformative era at AU DARBE defined by her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to sustainable development. Under her guidance, the Commission boldly integrated animal resource management with community development, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability - leaving an indelible mark on the continent.
During her tenure, Commissioner Sacko launched groundbreaking initiatives, including the Pan-African Programme for the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants and the Control of Other Priority Small Ruminant Diseases. This flagship program, implemented in close collaboration with regional economic communities such as ECOWAS, ECCAS, SADC, and IGAD-EAC, facilitated coordinated efforts across different regions. By controlling these priority diseases, the program aimed to enhance the productivity and resilience of small ruminant populations, which are vital for food security and livelihoods in many African communities - a true testament to her forward-thinking approach.
Under her leadership, the African Union, after its Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme held in Kampala, Uganda, adopted the 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan, and the Kampala CAADP Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2035. The will see the continent increase its agrifood output by 45 per cent by 2035 and transform its agri-food systems as part of its new plan to become food secure in a decade. This initiative includes a deliberate effort to enhance the contribution of the animal resources sector.
Moreover, support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the Resilient African Feeds and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) project, under her leadership, addressed chronic feed shortages that have long threatened livestock production in climate-vulnerable regions. RAFFS has been instrumental in developing evidence-based strategies to stabilize feed supplies, reduce livestock losses, and strengthen pastoral systems - thereby improving food security and the livelihoods of millions.
Under her tenure, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) was launched on February 8, 2020, at the 33rd African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The strategy consolidates five detailed thematic technical reports annexed to it, covering:
- Fisheries, aquaculture, conservation, and sustainable aquatic ecosystems;
- Shipping and transportation;
- Trade and ports;
- Maritime security; and
- Safety and enforcement.
The African Platform for Animal Welfare, launched in July 2017 alongside the Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa and its Action Plan, represents a significant milestone in advancing animal welfare on the continent. This was magnified through the AU Moratorium on the slaughter of donkeys in Africa for their skins; to ensure a sustainable utilization of the resource by the donkey-dependent communities - a clear initiative to protect human welfare through animal welfare. More0ver, during her tenure, the keystone endorsement by UNEA of the recognition of the nexus between animal welfare, the environment, and sustainable development – spearhead by the AU Member States and driven through AU-IBAR, is a global first for Africa!
Her commitment to sustainability also shone through in the realm of fisheries governance. Strategic partnerships with the European Union enabled the successful implementation of the Live2Africa and FishGov initiatives. These programs not only strengthened institutional capacity and policy frameworks for sustainable fisheries but also enhanced regional collaboration and boosted aquaculture practices - further contributing to food security goals.
These initiatives aligned seamlessly with transformative frameworks such as Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063, which aim to foster resilient, self-sufficient communities and sustainable development across Africa. Through strategic partnerships with international agencies like the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, cutting-edge research and best practices were effectively disseminated to local stakeholders. This collaboration has laid a robust foundation for improved food security, community development, and a sustainable environment for generations to come.
As we reflect on Commissioner Sacko’s remarkable achievements, it is clear that her holistic approach has redefined AU DARBE’s mandate for transformative and inclusive growth. Her legacy of integrating animal resource management with community and environmental sustainability will continue to inspire future leaders and shape a brighter, more resilient future for Africa.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Commissioner Josefa Sacko for her outstanding service and unwavering dedication. Her visionary leadership has paved the way for enduring progress, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence AU DARBE’s future endeavors.
