A live X Spaces event exploring how young African innovators are using artificial intelligence (AI) to address food security challenges highlighted that digital inclusion is essential for rural communities. The one-hour live event on X, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Africa, brought together three AI ...

A Booming Industry in the Shadows Charcoal farming in Nigeria has quietly transformed from a subsistence activity into a multimillion-naira enterprise. States like Oyo, Niger, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom have become hubs of production, driven by rising domestic demand and a thriving export market—despite a federal ban in place since 2018. • Key players: ...

By Brandon Moss  Lagos, Nigeria — In a landmark move to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with global partners, has mobilised $2.2 billion to roll out Phase Two of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) initiative. The funding will support the development of agro-industrial hubs across 24 states, marking ...

By Brandon Moss The Federal Government of Nigeria is making bold strides in clean energy deployment through two transformative initiatives—Phase IV of the Energising Education Programme (EEP) and the Agricultural Centers of Excellence (ACE)—both spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Energising Education Programme (EEP) – Phase IV Objective: Provide reliable, clean energy to federal ...

The Oyo site is the third to be developed under the national SAPZ program, and the first in southwest Nigeria IBADAN, Nigeria, August  ,4 2025/ • Oyo SAPZ will host up to 40 agro-processing industries, create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and benefit half a million farmers. • A great honour to do this ...

Third groundbreaking in 2025 under Phase I of the Nigeria SAPZ Programme; first in the country’s southwest ABUJA, Nigeria, August 1, 2025/ — The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Oyo State Government will be joined by the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Oyo State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ). ...

Aliko Dangote Africa’s richest man, is turning his attention to farming in a major way. Through his company, Dangote Group, he plans to invest $4.6 billion in Nigeria’s agricultural sector over the next three years—an exciting development for farmers across the country. What’s Coming for Farmers? Sugar & Rice Production: $3.8 billion will go into ...

Nigeria is charting a bold course in climate-smart agriculture with the rollout of agrivoltaic systems—innovative setups where crops are cultivated beneath solar panels, merging food production with clean energy generation. In Abuja, pilot sites are already generating momentum. By optimizing microclimates and conserving water, farmers report improved yields of tomatoes, leafy greens, and legumes. These ...

Trainees observe mushroom samples at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center in Huye District, Rwanda, on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua) By Dowell Sichitalwe In recent years, a Chinese innovation known as Juncao technology has gained ground across Africa, drawing praise from agricultural experts and farmers alike for its transformative potential in food ...

In June, Nigeria and Brazil signed a $1 billion agreement aimed at boosting agriculture, food security, energy and defense in Nigeria. According to Nigerian Vice President Kasim Shettima, the project includes the supply of mechanized agricultural equipment, training of specialists and the opening of service centers across the country. The volume of agriculture in Nigeria ...