Nigeria Calls on Africa to Drive Home-Grown Agricultural Innovation Abuja, Nigeria – July 28, 2026

Nigeria has challenged African countries to move beyond adopting imported agricultural technologies and instead become global innovators in developing solutions tailored to the continent’s unique farming conditions.The call was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, during the opening of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.Addressing delegates from across Africa, the minister stressed that science, technology, and innovation have become essential tools for transforming agriculture and achieving long-term food security. He noted that Africa must invest in research that addresses its own environmental conditions, production systems, and development priorities rather than relying solely on technologies developed elsewhere.Kyari described agriculture as a key pillar of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that food security remains closely linked to economic growth, national stability, and social development.He highlighted several ongoing government initiatives aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector, including expanded irrigation projects, mechanized farming, digital agriculture, agro-industrial development, and improved access to agricultural finance.According to the minister, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite applications, biotechnology, digital platforms, and data science will play a critical role in shaping the future of farming across Africa.Kyari also urged research institutions to focus on practical solutions that improve farm productivity, create jobs, encourage agribusiness development, and strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate change, rather than limiting their work to academic publications.He said Nigeria’s hosting of the continental gathering demonstrates the country’s commitment to promoting science-driven agricultural transformation while strengthening partnerships among governments, researchers, development organizations, and the private sector.Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, outlined ongoing reforms designed to modernize Nigeria’s livestock industry following the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.Maiha explained that the government’s National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy and Master Plan prioritizes sustainable livestock production, improved infrastructure, expanded value chains, and better animal health services to attract investment into the sector.He encouraged private investors, development partners, scientists, and agribusiness stakeholders to explore opportunities across livestock production, processing, storage, logistics, feed manufacturing, and veterinary pharmaceuticals.The conference brought together policymakers, agricultural researchers, scientists, development partners, and industry experts from across Africa to discuss innovative solutions capable of improving food production, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing sustainable agricultural development throughout the continent.