Investors have committed over $100 million in deals at the recently concluded Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) held in Abuja. The summit, with the theme *“Transitioning from Scarcity to Security,”* addressed critical issues of food insecurity and climate change challenges across Africa. It was supported by the Sterling One Foundation, the African Union, International Finance Corporation, Leadway Assurance, the Benue State government, and led by Sterling Bank.
The ASA provided a much-needed platform for stakeholders to discuss and propose innovative solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges. The event was an important step in finding sustainable pathways to food security, with key decision-makers and investors present to forge partnerships aimed at transforming the continent’s agricultural landscape.
Key stakeholders included Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation; Idris Ajimobi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development; Winnie Lai-Solarin, Director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Michael Oglegba, Commissioner for Finance and Budget Planning in Benue State, who spoke on the strategic role of partnerships in agricultural development.
Dr. Olusola Obikanye, Group Head of AgricFinance and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank, stressed the bank’s dedication to advancing agriculture as part of its HEART strategy, which focuses on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. He remarked, “Sterling Bank is deeply committed to driving transformative impact across critical sectors such as agriculture. ASA is a platform for addressing Africa’s pressing agricultural challenges, and the deals signed at the Nigeria Feed, Fodder, and Livestock Investment Deal Room reflect the growing confidence in strategic partnerships that will unlock the potential of agricultural value chains and drive sustainable growth across the continent.”
The Deal Room at ASA emerged as a critical forum for attracting vital partnerships, with Benue State securing an agreement with South African investors to enhance feed production and livestock systems. This collaboration is expected to improve the agricultural value chain in the region and enhance food security, not just in Nigeria but across Africa. Michael Oglegba, the Commissioner for Finance and Budget Planning, said, “The Deal Room at ASA provided a platform to attract strategic partnerships that address key challenges in agriculture. Through this forum, Benue State secured a partnership with South African investors to enhance feed production and livestock systems. This collaboration will not only strengthen our agricultural value chains but also position Benue to further contribute to food security in Nigeria and across Africa.”
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, emphasized the collaborative efforts needed to address food security in Africa. She highlighted that ASA exemplifies how partnerships can drive impactful solutions in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges. “ASA exemplifies the power of collaborative action in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges. Food security is one of our focus areas, and this aligns with the investments and partnerships made possible through the Deal Room,” she stated.
The ASA summit also brought to light the urgent need for investment in agricultural infrastructure, technology, and sustainable farming practices. The partnerships forged at the event represent a significant opportunity to strengthen agricultural value chains, increase food production, and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers across Africa. As Africa faces escalating challenges of food insecurity and climate change, the summit served as a reminder of the importance of collaborative action to ensure the continent’s agricultural sector is resilient and sustainable.
In conclusion, ASA has proven to be a vital platform for advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation. The successful deals sealed at the event not only highlight the growing investor confidence in the agricultural sector but also reinforce the urgent need for innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to tackle food insecurity and ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems across the continent.
