PD GUEST - Development Partners Coordination Group Outgoing Chairperson - Stanlake Samkange
Mr Stanlake Samkange outgoing DPCG chairperson suggests CAADP framework be extended from 2025 through 2030 to foster alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
LUSAKA, Zambia (Planet Defence) - The outgoing chairperson of Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Development Partners Coordination Group (DPCG), Mr Stanlake Samkange, has called upon the African Union and development partners in Lusaka, Zambia to extend period for implementing Malabo commitments.
The Malabo Declaration commitments are a targeted approach to achieve the agricultural vision for the continent. They presents a holistic approach for governments to achieve improved livelihoods through agriculture, with a particular emphasis on the role of smallholder farmers
Mr Samkange who is also Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships at United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) suggested the CAADP framework be extended from 2025 to 2030 to foster alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He was speaking during the commemoration of the 14th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security held under the theme, “Accelerating the Implementation of the African continental free trade area agreement in the context of CAADP commitments for safer and healthier Diets.”
Zambia hosted two continental events namely; 14th African Day of Food and Nutrition Security and the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform held from 30th through 2nd November, 2023 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.
In alignment with the 2023 African Union theme, the events underscored and demonstrated how increased trade in goods and services, combined with deliberate policy actions, can significantly enhance the exchange of agricultural and food resources across African borders.
This endeavour aims to strengthen food security and improve the nutritional landscape across the continent.
Planet Defence, Your PD Guest Desk caught up Mr Stanlake Simkanga in Lusaka, Zambia to get to know his experience and expertise. Below are some fine details related to his work experience.
Mr Samkange is a Zimbabwean national who is currently serving as Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
In this capacity, he leads WFP’s engagement with international financial institutions and serves as the WFP Sherpa for the Group of Twenty (G20).
G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
Mr Simkange previously served as WFP Director of Policy and Programme Division (2013-2018) where he led the re-orientation of WFP’s strategic approach to ensure contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and national development objectives.
From 2011 – 2013, he served as Regional Director for East and Central Africa (2011 – 2013).
From 2008 – 2011, he was the WFP Representative and Country Director in Uganda, managing an operation that included emergency, transition and development responses.
From 2003 – 2007 he served in Rome as WFP Director for Policy, Strategy and Programme Support, galvanizing the shift from food aid to focusing on hunger alleviation through food assistance.
Prior to joining WFP, he served as Director of Research for the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty and was a member (Rapporteur) of the UN Security council's panel of experts set up to investigate the violation of sanctions against National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) in Angola.
Mr. Samkange also served in the Office of the UN Secretary-General as a speechwriter from 1993 – 1996, and as a Political Officer in the UN Department of Political Affairs from 1996 – 1998.
Mr Simkanga previously practiced law in Washington DC, United States of America with Covington & Burling, and was educated at Harvard University (A.B.), Oxford University, and Stanford University Law School (J.D.)