Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)

Commissioner

Mr. Moses Vilakati (Eswatini) was elected to head the Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) department. He served as a minister in Eswatini in both the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs in 2018 to 2023 prior to which he was the Minister of Agriculture2013 to 2018. Previously, he served as the Project Director at the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise, the Agribusiness Project Manager at EWADE, and Project Director and Lecturer at UNESWA. He has a Master of Science (MSc) in Agriculture (International Development) from the California Polytechnic State University.

Structure

Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) leads the efforts to promote sustainable environmental management and agricultural development.

Sustainable Environment & Blue Economy (SEBE)

Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE) Directorate

DREA’s work on environment and natural resources

Blue Economy

Agriculture and Rural Development

Agriculture and Food Security

Coordinates the implementation of AU decisions related to agricultural transformation in Africa.

Rural Development

Coordinating rural development initiatives that contribute to sustainable livelihoods.

News & Events

Press releases

ClimSA calls for climate forecasts to drive early action across Central Africa

19 August 2026

Kigali hosted the opening of the 22nd Regional Climate Outlook Forum for the 11 Central African countries.

Press releases

African Union Advances Digital Agriculture Strategy Implementation Across IGAD

11 August 2026

The African Union Commission (AUC) has convened a three-day continental workshop to harmonise implementation of the African Union Digital Agriculture Strategy across IGAD

Press releases

AU-SAFGRAD’ pathways for catalyzing Innovative Investments in foodgrains

10 August 2026

The African Union’ Semi-Arid Food Grains Research and Development (AU-SAFGRAD), organized a plenary session during the 11th African Agribusiness Incubation Conference and

Press releases

Weather Impacts Know No Boundaries: AU Calls for El Niño Collective Preparedness

5 August 2026

The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE),

Press releases

Member States adopt Luanda Declaration to accelerate blue economy transformation

24 July 2026

African Union Member States adopted the Luanda Declaration on the African Blue Economy, a landmark political commitment to accelerate Africa's transition from blue econom

Press releases

Luanda Declaration on the African Blue Economy

24 July 2026

From Strategy to Action: Political Leadership for Africa's Blue Economy Transformation

Preamble-

Event

STC on Africa’s Preparedness and Response to Anticipated 2026 El Niño

30 July 2026

Event

3rd Africa Blue Economy Week/High-level Africa Sustainable Blue Economy

22 July 2026

WHAT: The African Union Commission (AUC) through its Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) is organiz

Event

The African Union Commission and the African Capacity Building Foundation’s

8 July 2026

The African Union Commission and the African Capacity Building Foundation’s Training on the African Carbon Market: Training of African Ambassadors and Diplomats Accredited to the African Un

Event

The African Union Commission, Zambia, And Acmad Convene Continental Dialogue

15 June 2026

The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, and the African Centre

Event

Joint Extraordinary STC on Continental Response to Fertilizer Market Disruption

20 May 2026

Joint Extraordinary Specialized Technical Committee (STC) Session of the STC on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE), together with the STC on Finance, Monetary Affairs Eco

Event

The African Union Commissions’ Strengthening Early Warning in Africa (SEWA)

18 May 2026

WHAT: The official kick-off of the African Meteorological Satellite Applications Facility (AMSAF) is being convened following the recommendations of the inaugural Steering Committe

Event

Restoring African Landscapes, Restoring Hope:

24 August 2026

Restoring African Landscapes, Restoring Hope: Scaling the Great Green Wall through Continental Integration and the AU Great Green Wall Initiative Strategy (2024–2034)

Event

22nd Annual CAADP Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP)

15 September 2026

The African Union Commission’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment is pleased to announce that the 22nd Annual CAADP Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP).

Event

African Union Inaugural Africa Seed Summit

5 October 2026

The African Union Commission’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (AUC-ARBE) is pleased to announce that the Inaugural

Event

International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilient in Africa

13 October 2026

SAVE THE DATE

International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilient in Africa

Event

17th Commemoration of the Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS)

29 October 2026

The African Union Commission’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (AUC-ARBE) is pleased to announce that the 17th Comm

Feb 6, 2019 - 13:30
May 2, 2016 - 15:30
Apr 28, 2016 - 18:45
Feb 5, 2016 - 16:00
Jan 26, 2016 - 12:15
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Dec 10, 2015 - 00:45
Aug 1, 2026 - 07:00
Aug 1, 2026 - 07:00