Luanda: Angola announced on Thursday in Luanda, the candidacy of ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko for the position of director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the 2027-2031 term. The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Ant³nio, during a meeting with the press.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister presented the profile of the candidate, the current Angolan ambassador to Italy and permanent representative to the United Nations agencies in Rome, including FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Program (WFP). Tete Antonio highlighted Josefa Sacko's extensive experience in agriculture, sustainable development, and public policy, noting her significant contributions on both African and international stages.
He emphasized Sacko's leadership, dialogue skills, and consensus-building abilities, which are crucial in addressing global challenges, particularly in food security and climate change. Tete Antonio stated that the FAO should be led by someone with strategic vision capable of promoting effective and inclusive responses that align with member states' needs.
The diplomat pointed out that Sacko's candidacy underscores the importance of strengthening women's roles in leadership positions within multilateral organizations. This reflects their central role in agriculture and food security sectors, particularly in Africa. He further mentioned that the initiative represents Angola's commitment to enhancing African participation in international leadership, in line with efforts to assert the continent within the multilateral system.
The Angolan minister called for the support of member states in pursuing a common vision aimed at strengthening the FAO and increasing its relevance to the populations' needs. Josefa Sacko, who currently leads Angola's diplomatic mission in Rome, has a distinguished career in the agricultural sector, having served as the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment from 2017 to 2025. She was also Secretary-General of the Inter-African Coffee Organization.
Angola's candidacy was submitted to the African Union's Candidacy Committee during the organization's Executive Council meeting held in February 2026 in Addis Ababa.
