THE President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has urged African nations to place food security and self-sufficiency at the forefront of their development agendas.
He stressed that agriculture holds the key to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
Speaking in Lagos during a courtesy visit by the AfricaRice Centre, Dangote pointed out that Africa’s vast arable land, if combined with the right policies, modern technology, and adequate investment, could transform farming into a highly productive and profitable sector.
According to him, agriculture is not only central to sustainable development but also critical for tackling unemployment and poverty across the continent.
“With effective policies and technological innovation, Africa can achieve food security and reduce its dependence on imports,” Dangote said. “Investments in agriculture will also create ripple effects across other sectors of the economy.”
His remarks come shortly after Dangote Rice Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries, signed a ₦1.8 trillion purchase and sale agreement with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, owned by the Niger State Government.
The deal will guarantee a steady supply of quality paddy rice, supporting Nigeria’s broader food security goals through job creation and an out-grower scheme.
During the visit, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General of AfricaRice, praised Dangote’s renewed agricultural focus, describing it as a vital step toward continental food self-sufficiency.
He noted that Niger State’s target of producing five million tonnes of rice over the next five years could significantly reduce Africa’s annual rice imports, which currently stand at about 15 million tonnes.
Dr. Manneh further emphasised the role of public-private partnerships in reshaping the agricultural ecosystem, highlighting the need for scientific research and innovation to strengthen productivity.
“This partnership can serve as a model for other African states, helping to reduce reliance on food imports and boost local economies,” he said.
Echoing this commitment, Sammy Adigun, Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, revealed plans to increase Niger State’s rice paddy output from 1.5 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes annually.
He said this would be achieved through climate-smart technologies, mechanisation, and a blend of large-scale and smallholder farming.
Both Dangote and AfricaRice leaders agreed that agriculture remains the cornerstone of Africa’s long-term economic transformation and food independence.