The African Union (AU) has officially endorsed Josefa Sacko of Angola as Africa’s sole candidate for the Director-General position at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
This decision was made during the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council held in Addis Ababa, solidifying Sacko’s nomination ahead of the FAO’s 2027 leadership election in Rome.
Continental Unity Behind Sacko’s Candidacy
Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António expressed gratitude towards Morocco and Uganda for withdrawing their candidates, enabling a unified African front. He highlighted that this consensus reflects political solidarity and strengthens Africa’s influence in global institutions.
About Josefa Sacko and Her Vision
Sacko, a former AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, currently serves as Angola’s ambassador to Italy and permanent representative to Rome-based UN agencies.
Her campaign platform, titled “A Continental Ambition for Global Food and Agriculture Governance,” was presented to the AU Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures on July 27. Rather than pushing for major institutional reforms, Sacko aims to enhance the FAO’s operational efficiency and foster closer engagement with member states.
Key Priorities of Sacko’s Agenda
- Boosting agricultural productivity through technology and knowledge sharing
- Eradicating hunger and malnutrition
- Promoting sustainable natural resource management and climate resilience
- Expanding opportunities for women and youth in agriculture
Her agenda also aligns the FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031 with the AU’s Agenda 2063, emphasizing Africa’s role in shaping global solutions for food security.
Significance of the Endorsement
The AU’s backing of Sacko exemplifies the continent’s strategy to support a single candidate for senior international roles, thereby enhancing Africa’s collective voice in multilateral agencies.
