The African Union Commission and the European Commission co-hosted the 3rd AU EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference, which was held in the FAO premises in Rome on the 21st June 2019.

The approximately 450 invitees, comprising of high-level representatives, stakeholders from Africa and Europe, engaged in discussions on how to realize the potential for sustainable and inclusive rural and agricultural development.

The conclusions of this Conference were captured in the official declaration, which includes an action plan, with the implementation of the Continental Strategy for GIs in Africa as one of its deliverables.

During this Conference, a side event was also organized on the occasion of the launching of 3 key activities for the implementation of Continental Strategy for Geographical Indications in Africa:

• a training plan for GIs in Africa,
• a web platform for the dissemination of updated information on GIs in Africa,
• pilot GIs projects in Africa.

This Conference is one of the many expressions of the constructive dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Africa, which has led to a variety of partnerships, mostly geared towards agricultural development and amelioration of the African food sector.