Nigeria’s agriculture sector is set to receive a major boost as the World Bank’s new AgriConnect initiative targets increased investment, innovation, and job creation across Africa’s food systems.
Unveiled at the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, the AgriConnect initiative aims to transform smallholder farming into commercially viable enterprises, with the Bank pledging to double its annual investment in agribusiness to $9 billion gloglobally.
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In Nigeria, where agriculture contributes about 25 percent of GDP and employs nearly 70 percent of the rural population, experts say the initiative could unlock growth along the value chain — from production to processing and exports.
“AgriConnect aligns with Nigeria’s own agricultural transformation drive, especially as the country pushes to reduce food imports and attract private sector investment,” said Dr. Muktar Ibrahim, an agribusiness analyst in Kano.
The initiative’s focus areas — infrastructure, digital tools, and market access — mirror key challenges faced by Nigerian farmers. Poor rural roads, inadequate storage, and limited financing have often weakened the country’s food security despite abundant arable land.
Through AgriConnect, the World Bank plans to work with local partners and governments to strengthen policy frameworks, attract private capital, and improve farmers’ access to modern technology and finance.
“With the right investments, Nigeria can move from a food importer to a food exporter,” said Ibrahim. “AgriConnect could be the missing link.”
