Across the globe, the conversation on sustainable economic growth, food security, and inclusive development is shifting towards Agribusiness as the ultimate game changer. In Africa, a continent richly blessed with fertile land, youthful population, and untapped resources, Agribusiness represents not just a sector, but a golden pathway to prosperity. According to Dr. Debo Akande, Executive Adviser on International Development Cooperation and Director-General DG of OYSADA, an authority in Agricultural policy and development, Agribusiness is Africa’s ticket to unlocking its true economic potential, lifting millions out of poverty, and transforming the continent into a global food powerhouse.
Africa currently spends billions annually on food imports despite having vast arable land, of which Nigeria occupied larger sum of 20% out of 22% in the African continent where Oyo State formed part of the 20% and favorable climatic conditions. This paradox exposes the continent to vulnerability, inflation, and food shortages.
Dr. Akande stresses that strengthening Agribusiness means moving from subsistence farming to commercialized, technology-driven Agriculture. With the right policies, Africa can produce what it consumes, reduce reliance on imports, and ensure food security for its fast-growing population.
Africa’s greatest asset is its youth. With over 60% of its population under 25, the continent risks a demographic crisis if jobs are not created at scale. Agribusiness offers a direct solution. From mechanized farming and Agro-processing to logistics, biotechnology, and Agri-tech innovations, the value chain is wide and inclusive.
Dr. Debo Akande believes that by creating an enabling environment, young Africans can see Agribusiness not as a last resort, but as a profitable, dignified, and modern career path. This shift could reduce unemployment, stem irregular migration, and energize Africa’s creative workforce.
Africa is still largely a raw-material exporter, losing billions in potential revenue to foreign markets that process and repackage its products. For instance, cocoa-producing countries earn a fraction of the global chocolate industry’s multi-billion-dollar value. Dr..Debo Akande emphasizes that Agribusiness, when paired with industrialization, can transform Africa from an exporter of raw commodities to a global supplier of high-value Agricultural products. This will not only increase foreign exchange earnings but also strengthen Africa’s competitive position in international trade.
To realize this vision, Africa needs bold, consistent, and business-friendly policy reforms. Dr. Akande calls for policies that provide farmers with access to finance, secure land rights, modern irrigation systems, and market linkages. Equally important is investment in research, infrastructure, and rural electrification to reduce post-harvest losses and expand Agro-industrial hubs. Governments must also strengthen partnerships with the private sector and international investors to unlock capital and technology.
The future of Africa lies in Agribusiness— not as a fallback sector, but as the central compass guiding its economic and social transformation. By prioritizing food security, harnessing youth energy, expanding export capacity, and driving policy reforms, Africa can unlock prosperity that benefits not just the continent, but the world at large.
As Dr. Debo Akande rightly posits, Agribusiness is not just an option, it is the panacea to Africa’s economic renaissance.
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Yours In Service,
Egalitarian Digital Communicator, Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez (MOE)
Codenamed IJOBA AUTHORITY MOE | Convener, Emerging Force Platform | Head Youth Media Campaign for GSM Re-election Bid 2023 | He4She Crusader | Loyalist of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, DSc, GSSRS.
