African Development Bank President Advocates for Youth Investment in Nigeria’s Agri-business
Abuja, Nigeria – The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly among the youth. Adesina made the appeal during his keynote address at the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa Primates and Wives’ Retreat in Abuja, where he spoke on the topic "Food Security and Financial Sustainability in Africa: The Role of the Church".
Adesina emphasized the crucial role of youth in revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, highlighting the success stories of young entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the industry. He recalled his own symbolic decision to wear a bowtie during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture to make the sector more appealing to young Nigerians, as part of a broader strategy to rebrand agriculture as a viable and attractive career path for the youth.
The African Development Bank’s Enable Youth in Agriculture programme, a $490 million initiative, has already supported 41,000 businesses and created 63,000 jobs, showcasing significant potential for economic growth. Adesina urged religious and government leaders to support the programme, which aims to foster youth-led agri-businesses across Africa.
In his address, Adesina also drew parallels between the historical forced migration of Africans during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the current perilous journeys taken by young Africans in search of better opportunities abroad. He emphasized the need for new financial institutions, such as entrepreneurship investment banks, to support young entrepreneurs and criticized superficial political empowerment programmes.
Adesina also highlighted the importance of unity and resource sharing within the African church, citing the potential synergy between the African Development Bank and the church in mobilizing resources and communities for holistic transformation. He called for leveraging local Church gatherings as platforms for learning and knowledge sharing to drive meaningful change.
The Vice Chairman of CAPA and Archbishop of Kenya, Most Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit, also spoke at the event, calling for a unified African Church and resource mobilization. He emphasized the importance of African solutions addressing African problems, rather than relying on Western prescriptions.
Adesina’s advocacy for youth investment in Nigeria’s agri-business is a critical step towards empowering the continent’s youth and driving sustainable development. As the African Development Bank continues to support initiatives that promote youth-led agri-businesses, it is essential that religious and government leaders join forces to create a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive.
