Former Nigerian President and African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Ambassador, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has declared that the transformation of Africa’s agriculture hinges on the continent’s readiness to embrace and scale emerging technologies.
Delivering a keynote address at the 2025 African Conference on Agricultural Technology (ACAT) in Kigali, Rwanda, Jonathan said Africa stands at a decisive turning point one that demands visionary leadership, bold investment, and technological adoption to redefine its role in global food security.
“We are at a crossroads,” he said. “One path leads to persistent food insecurity; the other, to Africa becoming a global force in food and nutrition security powered by innovation, collaboration, and transformative investment.”
Jonathan underscored the continent’s unparalleled agricultural potential, noting that Africa possesses 60 percent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, a youthful population, and diverse agro-ecological zones strategic advantages that must be harnessed with urgency.
Highlighting the role of innovation, he cited technologies such as drone mapping, satellite imaging, precision agriculture, and artificial intelligence as tools that can transform farming from planting to market.
“Digital tools can redefine the value of every seed, every grain. But to unlock this, we must invest in rural infrastructure, digital literacy, and affordable connectivity,” he said.
Jonathan called for stronger regional integration and collaboration across public and private sectors, research institutions, civil society, and farmer organizations, stressing that agricultural transformation cannot be achieved in isolation.
“Our farmers, especially women and youth, must be placed at the centre of policy and investment decisions. Investing in them is investing in Africa’s future,” he declared.
He urged governments to move beyond donor-driven, short-term projects and commit to long-term, strategic funding for the sector.
Reiterating the Maputo and Malabo Declarations, Jonathan challenged African leaders to meet the 10 percent national budget allocation target for agriculture and create enabling environments for private investment through risk guarantees and supportive policies.
Addressing the climate crisis, Jonathan warned of the growing threat to food systems and ecosystems.
He called for urgent adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices that restore landscapes, build resilience, and promote sustainable resource use.
“The time for half-measures is over. Africa must build food systems that are inclusive, just, and resilient. Let us feed ourselves and export to the world,” he concluded.
