Kyari Urges Africa to Lead in Agri-Tech Innovation as he Opens 9th AASW, 10th FARA General Assembly
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has urged Africa to lead in generating, not just adopting, agricultural technologies, noting that knowledge has become its most valuable agricultural resource.
Kyari made the call while opening the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, (9th AASW), and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, FARA, in Abuja on Monday 27th July, 2026.
The Minister said that “Knowledge has become the most valuable agricultural resource of the twenty-first century, Our ability to harness this knowledge through science, technology and innovation will determine whether we achieve the agricultural transformation we all seek, Africa must move beyond technology consumption’’.
Kyari added that “Africa must not simply adopt innovations developed elsewhere. We must become a global leader in generating agricultural technologies that respond to our own ecological realities, production systems and development aspirations,”
He highlighted that agriculture is central to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that food security is inseparable from national security, economic prosperity and social stability.
Kyari outlined ongoing federal government reforms to include massive investment in irrigation, mechanization, digital agriculture, agro-industrialization and agricultural finance.
He pointed out that the future of African agriculture will be shaped by artificial intelligence, satellite technology, biotechnology, digital platforms and data science.
The Minister also challenged research institutions to deliver impact beyond publications. “Research should increase productivity, stimulate enterprise development, generate employment for our youth, and strengthen the resilience of our farming communities to climate change,” he said.
According to a statement signed by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the Ministry’s Head of Information,
he noted that hosting both the 9th AASW and the FARA General Assembly positions Nigeria and Africa to set a bold agenda for agricultural transformation through science and innovation.
The Minister appreciated FARA for choosing Nigeria to host the two events, and thanked development partners, researchers, scientists and delegates from across Africa and beyond for their commitment to advancing agricultural innovation on the continent.
“Your presence here underscores our shared resolve to transform African agriculture through science and partnerships,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated that Nigeria was undertaking major reforms to modernize its livestock sector following the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
He said the ministry’s National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy and Master Plan focuses on sustainable production systems, infrastructure development, value-chain expansion and improved animal health to unlock investments in the sector.
“We invite the private sector, development partners and the scientific community to partner with us across the entire livestock value chain. There are enormous opportunities in modern livestock production, processing, storage, logistics, feed formulation and advanced veterinary pharmaceuticals,” Maiha said
He added that scientific innovation would be crucial in developing improved breeds, disease surveillance systems and climate-smart livestock production capable of meeting Nigeria’s growing demand for animal protein while positioning the country competitively under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Dabban, said Nigeria is honoured to host the two events, describing them as a sign of Africa’s commitment to transforming agriculture through research, innovation and partnerships.
According to him, “Through sustained investment in agricultural research, innovation and technology, we can build resilient agrifood systems, enhance productivity, ensure food and nutrition security, and improve the livelihoods of millions of Africans.”
Speaking on the theme “Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa,” he noted that challenges of climate change, food insecurity and low productivity can only be overcome through collaboration and science-driven solutions.
“Let us work together to create a future where no African goes hungry,” Dabban added.
In a presentation titled “The State of African Agrifood Systems: Harnessing Innovation and Partnerships to Achieve CAADP/Kampala Targets”, Managing Director, AKADEMIYA 2063, Dr. Debisi Araba appraised the performance of CAADP more than two decades after its adoption in 2003.
He traced the evolution from Maputo, which put agriculture at the highest level of decision making, to Malabo, which widened the frame to tackle hunger, poverty, trade, resilience and mutual accountability through the Biennial Review, to Kampala, the first phase of CAADP to launch with a theory of change and results framework from the outset.
“We proved we could restore agricultural growth between 2003 and 2013. What we haven’t achieved yet is matching that ambition with adequate financing,” he said.
Dr. Araba identified under-investment in innovation, weak technology adoption and institutional capacity gaps as key challenges, noting that “technologies exist but adoption doesn’t.”
To supercharge the achievement of CAADP, he urged Africa to acquire know-how, invest in institutional capability, and share lessons among countries with humility.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the FARA Board of Directors, Ms. Bongiwe Njobe, described the conference as Africa’s premier platform for shaping agricultural science, technology and innovation priorities.
She said the gathering comes at a critical time when climate change, food insecurity and environmental degradation are threatening livelihoods across the continent.
“Science, technology and innovation are the engines that will convert political commitments into measurable results at farm and household level,” she said.
Njobe commended Nigeria for being among the first countries to domesticate the Kampala Declaration, describing it as a strong demonstration of political commitment to transforming Africa’s agrifood systems.
She urged governments, research institutions, development partners and the private sector to invest in inclusive innovation that empowers women, youth and vulnerable groups, and to strengthen the institutions and financing needed to deliver Africa’s agricultural transformation agenda.
In attendance were Government officials, Agricultural Scientists, Policy Makers, Innovators, Development Partners, among others.
