The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking finance for Africa’s agricultural transformation as the two-day Africa Agriculture Dialogue commenced today in Abuja, Nigeria.
The event, themed “Unlocking Finance for Agricultural Transformation in Africa,” brings together policymakers, investors, researchers, and development partners to explore innovative financing models capable of accelerating agricultural growth and food security across the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the Bank, Richard-Mark Mbaram, Advisor on Agriculture to the AfDB’s Agricultural and Agro-Industry Department and Director General of the AAD Secretariat, emphasized the central role of financial inclusion in driving Africa’s agricultural revolution.
His words: “Africa’s agricultural future will be determined not by potential, but by how effectively we can unlock financing at scale.
“Financing that reaches smallholder farmers, youth, women, and private agribusinesses—financing that de-risks agricultural investments and catalyzes innovation.”
He commended the Government of Nigeria for hosting the dialogue and for its continued leadership in agricultural transformation, describing the forum as a “crucial moment” in shaping the continent’s agribusiness and food security future.
He added: “This gathering underscores Nigeria’s commitment to agricultural renewal, food system resilience, and agribusiness competitiveness.
“Nigeria’s leadership within the African Development Bank has been remarkable, both in strategic policy guidance and through its strong representation on the Bank’s Board of Governors.”
Mbaram further lauded Nigeria as the largest contributor to the AfDB’s funding pool, acknowledging its consistent financial and policy support.
“Nigeria has put money where its mouth is in developing the African continent, and for this, the Bank is grateful,” he stated.
He also reflected on the Bank’s leadership transition, noting the contributions of former AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment under its new President, Dr. Sidi Aoudou Ta, to sustain impactful agricultural programs across Africa.
“The new President is committed to continuing the Bank’s vibrant, robust, and impactful strategies—from the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme to initiatives transforming livestock value chains, irrigation, and digital agriculture,” Mbaram said. “Nigeria stands as a continental model.”
Highlighting recent policy interventions, Mbaram praised the recapitalization of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, describing it as a strong demonstration of the government’s intent to improve financing access for farmers and agribusinesses.
“The present Government of Nigeria has shown a clear commitment to ensuring that financing is no longer a challenge to agricultural players,” he added.
He called for collaboration among African nations and partners to make agriculture the “new frontier of Africa’s prosperity.”
“With leadership such as Nigeria’s and the entrepreneurial energy of Africa’s people, we can make the continent not only food-secure but food-sovereign.
“The African Development Bank stands ready, as always, to walk this journey with you,” he said.
Also addressing participants, Li Zhensheng, Chairman of Global Cooperation Promotion Research, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening agricultural partnerships with Nigeria and other African countries.
“I thank the African Agriculture Dialogue for this opportunity and the Honourable Minister, Mr. Mukta Maiha, for our conversation yesterday, which has launched a new chapter for China–Nigeria agricultural cooperation,” he said.
Zhensheng described Nigeria as a nation of enormous agricultural potential, expressing optimism about the future of China–Africa collaboration in food production and livestock development.
“When I arrived in Nigeria, I was excited to see the huge potential in agriculture and livestock.
“Nigeria has rich resources, hardworking people, and the necessary infrastructure. The question now is how to unlock this untapped potential,” he said.
He noted that discussions between Chinese and Nigerian stakeholders signal a shared commitment to addressing barriers to agricultural growth — including financing, technology transfer, and value chain expansion.
The Africa Agriculture Dialogue continues tomorrow with breakout sessions focused on youth inclusion, women in agribusiness, and digital finance innovation, and is expected to produce actionable frameworks for scaling agrifinance and private-sector participation across Africa’s agricultural value chains.
