Moses Vilakati, a seasoned leader elected Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment
Moses Vilakati, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in agriculture, environmental conservation, and sustainable development, was elected during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union Commission (AUC) as Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE). His election marks a new momentum for food security, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Proven Experience in Agriculture and Sustainable Development
Vilakati’s career spans over two decades in government leadership and governance, policy development, and project management. As Minister of Agriculture in Eswatini (2013-2018), he led major reforms that revolutionized food security, including implementing agricultural subsidies, large-scale irrigation projects, and developing commercial dairy and cattle production. His leadership enabled the development of more than 10,000 hectares of agricultural land, improving productivity and rural livelihoods.
During his tenure as Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (2018-2023), Vilakati championed key environmental policies, such as the ban on single-use plastics, biodiversity conservation efforts, and climate change mitigation projects. Under his leadership, Eswatini gained international recognition as a leading ecotourism destination, demonstrating his ability to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
Addressing Major Challenges in Africa’s Blue Economy
As AU Commissioner, Vilakati will face significant challenges in revitalizing the continent’s blue economy, a crucial but still largely untapped sector. Africa faces critical issues such as illegal fishing, which causes billions in financial losses each year, accelerated degradation of marine ecosystems, and the need to balance coastal development with environmental protection. Moreover, the effects of climate change threaten not only marine resources but also agriculture and food security, in a context of increasing demographic pressure.
To address these challenges, Vilakati will need to:
- mobilize concerted efforts to strengthen ecosystem conservation, secure investments, and establish robust policy frameworks promoting sustainable development.
- preserve achievements and accelerate/continue the interconnected implementation of Africa’s blue economy strategy, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), one of the continental frameworks of Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want, the Great Green Wall Initiative (GGW), as well as the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA) 2015-2035, etc.
His experience in international partnerships and financing large-scale projects will be crucial in transforming this sector and unleashing its full potential. With his strategic vision, he is well-positioned to drive transformative policies aimed at securing food systems in Africa, protecting natural resources while taking climate change into account, and ensuring sustainable economic growth for current and future generations.
Our entire editorial team extends warm congratulations and wishes him every success in his new role.
