Topic: Establishment of Operational Structures for Implementation of the F-SAMA at Sub-Regional and Regional Levels
Overview: Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (SAM) in Africa is an urgent imperative and an indispensable pillar for attaining the Malabo Declaration: Zero Hunger Vision by 2025, Goal 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals – and Agenda 2063, the Prosperous Africa We Want. Doubling agricultural productivity and eliminating hunger and malnutrition in Africa by 2025 will not be realized unless mechanization along the food value chain is accorded utmost priority. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the important role mechanization can play in ensuring continuity of farm operations even during uncommon situations that the world is currently witnessing.

The Objective of Webinar 9 is to actualize this resolution. It will convene the first virtual meeting [FVM] of HAMES to initiate actions towards operationalization of two overarching elements of F-SAMA, namely:

1. Element 9: Need for a Long-term Vision; Policy and Strategy Issues
2. Element 10: Creating Sustainable Institutions for Regional Collaboration and Networking

The Expected Outputs of the First Virtual Meeting [FVM] of the HAMES include strengthening the networking mechanisms, development of a results framework as well as implementation of projects and programmes at sub regional and regional levels over the next five years. The specific outputs will include:

1. Resolution by the HAMES to support operationalization of the F-SAMA based on the long-term vision for mechanization in Africa, the ten elements of F-SAMA as well as their commitment to cooperate at sub regional and regional levels to attain economies of scale and scope.
2. Agreement by the HAMES to initiate formal networking to support and fully engage in the process of establishing mechanisms for facilitating regional and sub-regional cooperation in implementing SAM programmes and projects including information exchange.
3. Constituting of an Interim Committee of the HAMES to work closely with AUC, FAO and ACT to oversee the process of Development of Operational Guidelines for the proposed networking, Framework for Action (FFA), Concept Notes, etc.