Nigeria to Host Africa Agriculture Dialogue 2025 Ahead of World Food Prize

 

Nigeria has been selected to host the Agenda-Setting Sessions of the Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) 2025, scheduled for October 7–8, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 

Theme: Unlocking Finance for Agricultural Transformation in Africa

 

This is the first time the Dialogue will be hosted on African soil, underscoring Nigeria’s rising leadership in agricultural transformation and food security.

 

The high-level forum precedes the global Africa Agriculture Dialogue at the prestigious World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa—widely regarded as the “Nobel of Agriculture.”

 

Nigeria’s Selection: Recognition of Bold Reforms

Announcing the event at a media briefing, Richard-Mark Mbaram, Agricultural Advisor to the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Convener of the Dialogue, said Nigeria’s selection reflects international recognition of recent policy interventions by the Federal Government.

 

“For the first time, Africa’s agenda will be shaped on the continent, and Nigeria has been chosen because of the unprecedented steps this administration has taken,” Mbaram said.

“From declaring a state of emergency in agriculture, creating a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, to recapitalizing the Bank of Agriculture with $1 billion, Nigeria is positioning itself as a continental leader in food security and agribusiness reforms.”

 

Policy Milestones Recognized

Key reforms credited with Nigeria’s selection include:

“Declaration of a State of Emergency in Agriculture – Elevating food security and nutrition to the highest political priority.

“Creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development – Addressing farmer-herder conflicts and unlocking the sector’s multi-billion-dollar potential.

“Recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) – Injecting $1 billion (₦1.5 trillion) to restore affordable credit systems and strengthen agricultural finance.

National Commitment

Also speaking, Hon. Idris Abolaji Abiola-Ajimobi highlighted the importance of financing for farmers across the value chain.

 

“The lack of financing is a challenge faced by farmers across the board. This dialogue is a fantastic opportunity to discuss these challenges and identify new opportunities for growth,” he said.

 

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture & Food Security, H.E. Abubakar Kyari, affirmed the significance of hosting the Dialogue in Abuja:

 

“Nigeria is delighted to be hosting the first-ever Africa Agriculture Dialogue in Africa.

 

“This inaugural gathering underscores our commitment to advancing Africa-led solutions and ensuring African perspectives take center stage in shaping the global food and agriculture agenda.”

 

From Talk to Action

Responding to questions on expected outcomes, Mbaram stressed that AAD 2025 is not just another conference.

 

“The goal is to generate actionable policy recommendations, backed by partnerships and funding commitments that will deliver impact on the ground,” he explained.

 

Stakeholders and Partners

AAD 2025 is being convened with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), AIFA International, Solidaridad, the National Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA), and the Federal Ministries of Agriculture & Food Security and Livestock Development.

 

Most importantly, it is being hosted under the auspices of the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reflecting the administration’s prioritization of food security as both a national and continental imperative.

 

Expected Impact

By convening Africa’s leading policymakers, financiers, agribusiness leaders, and innovators, the Abuja Dialogue will help shape a unified African voice that will influence global agricultural priorities at the World Food Prize later this year.

 

“Mr. President has graciously provided the Presidential Villa for this dialogue,” Mbaram noted.

“It is a demonstration of Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa into a new dawn of agricultural transformation, ensuring our voices are not only heard but acted upon globally.”