The President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has urged African nations to urgently prioritise food security and self-sufficiency, emphasizing that agriculture is central to the continent’s sustainable development.

During a courtesy visit by the AfricaRice Centre—a pan-African Centre of Excellence for rice research in Lagos, Dangote highlighted that Africa’s abundant arable land and young population provide the continent with the potential to feed itself and emerge as a global agricultural leader, provided appropriate policies, investments, and technologies are implemented.

In a statement by the company, Dangote said
“Africa is richly endowed with arable land. With the right policies, adequate investment, and the adoption of modern technology, farmers can significantly increase their yields and return on investment.”

He stressed that boosting agriculture could tackle numerous socio-economic challenges across the continent, describing it as a vital source of employment and a key driver of industrial growth.

“With effective policy frameworks and technological advancement, Africa can achieve food security and become self-sufficient. Investing in agriculture will also unlock growth across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

The AfricaRice delegation praised Dangote’s renewed commitment to agriculture, highlighting the recent N1.8 trillion purchase and sale agreement between Dangote Rice Limited and Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, a firm owned by the Niger State Government.

The deal ensures a consistent supply of high-quality paddy rice to Dangote Rice, supporting Nigeria’s food security objectives. Dangote Rice has made significant investments in rice mills, plantations, and out-grower programs, aimed at generating employment and enhancing national self-sufficiency.

AfricaRice Director General, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, described the Niger State partnership as transformative, noting that the state’s goal of producing five million tonnes of rice over the next five years could markedly reduce Africa’s reliance on imports.

“Africa imports around 15 million tonnes of rice annually. If Niger State achieves this target, it will have a huge impact on rice self-sufficiency and food security in Africa,” Manneh said.

He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in bolstering food systems, highlighting how government leadership, private sector investment, and scientific innovation can work together effectively.