Tinubu Tasks African Leaders to Invest in Research, Innovation to End Food Insecurity, Drive Agricultural Transformation

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on African governments to prioritize sustained investments in science, research, and innovation, identifying them as the continent's most effective tools against food insecurity, climate change impacts, and low agricultural productivity.

Tinubu's appeal coincides with a report from AKADEMIYA2063 revealing that Africa's staggering $122.9 billion agricultural import bill underscores the continent's struggle to leverage its vast agricultural potential for food security and economic growth. The report indicates that 845 million Africans remain food insecure.

Speaking at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated that Africa's agricultural future hinges more on the strength of its scientific institutions and commitment to knowledge-driven development than on its natural resources. He emphasized that prosperous nations historically achieved food self-sufficiency through deliberate investments in agricultural research and innovation.

"Before countries became prosperous, they first learned how to feed their people; and before they transformed agriculture, they invested in science," Tinubu remarked. He noted that despite Africa's abundant arable land, rich biodiversity, and young population, these advantages remain underutilized without translation into innovation and economic opportunities. The Africa Agriculture Science Week was described as a crucial platform for shaping agricultural policies, fostering partnerships, and advancing scientific solutions for Africa's agrifood systems.

Tinubu stressed that his administration places agriculture at the core of its "Renewed Hope Agenda," recognizing the inseparable link between food security, national security, economic prosperity, and social stability. Nigeria's agricultural transformation agenda aims to build a modern, competitive, climate-resilient, and market-oriented agrifood system grounded in science and technology.

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Before countries became prosperous, they first learned how to feed their people; and before they transformed agriculture, they invested in science.