by The former President of Nigeria and ambassador for the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, asserts that the key to Africa's agricultural future hinges on the continent's ability to embrace and expand the use of cutting-edge technologies.
During his keynote speech at the 2025 iteration of the African Conference on Agricultural Technology (ACAT) in Kigali, Rwanda, he made this appeal.
At the inauguration of the Conference, Jonathan highlighted that Africa finds itself at a pivotal junction, requiring inspired leadership and careful financial commitment.
"One path involves enduring challenges with food scarcity, while the alternative presents a daring idea of Africa becoming a leading force globally in food and nutrition security, driven by innovation, collaborations, and revolutionary investments," Jonathan said.
He highlighted the enormous agricultural prospects on the continent, noting that Africa possesses 60 percent of the globe's unused cultivatable land, a young workforce, and varied climatic conditions for agriculture, assets that could be leveraged to promote sustainable growth and elevate millions above the poverty line.
The former President of Nigeria specifically underscored how technology has transformed African agriculture.
He pointed out innovations like precise agriculture, drone tech, satellite imagery, and AI as key resources that can improve agricultural results throughout the process, from sowing seeds to selling products.
"Digital tools have the potential to transform how we handle each seed or grain. However, for these advancements to be successful, Africa needs to focus on investing in rural infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring accessible connectivity," he stated.
Jonathan emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and cross-sector collaboration, pointing out that no individual nation or organization can accomplish agricultural transformation independently.
He urged African governments, entities from the private sector, research organizations, civil society groups, and farmers to collaborate in order to usher in a new epoch in agriculture.
"Our farmers, particularly women and young people, should be central to all policies and investment strategies. By investing in them, we invest in our shared future," Jonathan emphasized.
He additionally urged for sustained, strategic investment in agriculture, shifting away from reliance on aid-based and inconsistent financing.
Echoing the pledges outlined in the Maputo and Malabo declarations, he called upon African governments to dedicate a minimum of 10 percent of their national budgets to this area and promote private investment via risk assurances and supportive policy measures.
Jonathon similarly highlighted the increasing danger presented by climate change, promoting climate-resilient farming techniques that enhance adaptability, restore ecosystems, and ensure responsible resource management.
"The moment to take action is right here, right now. We must construct systems that are robust, equitable, and fair. We should guarantee that Africa not only sustains itself but also emerges as a key supplier of food globally," he urged.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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