By Atoyebi Nike
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called on African countries to adopt innovative financing models and technology-driven approaches to unlock the continent’s agricultural potential.
Speaking at the Africa Agriculture Dialogue in Abuja, themed “Unlocking Finance for Agricultural Transformation in Africa,” Maiha said the creation of Nigeria’s Livestock Development Ministry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects a strategic push to revive a long-neglected sector.
“It is a definite statement of Mr. President to get us to have a laser focus on the livestock sector because the potentials are inestimable,” he said, noting that other countries with fewer resources have achieved remarkable results in food security and exports.
Maiha described agriculture as “Africa’s next frontier of prosperity,” stressing that livestock holds the key to reducing poverty and achieving food sufficiency. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts and adequate financing to build a self-sustaining agricultural system.
Citing Denmark as an example, he said Nigeria could feed millions more with the right systems in place. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with the African Development Bank and other partners to remove financial barriers across the agricultural value chain.
On the role of technology, Extension Africa CEO Tajudeen Yahaya called for stronger links between innovation, finance, and last-mile farmers through digital extension services. He noted that one extension agent currently serves as many as 10,000 farmers, describing the ratio as unsustainable.
Through platforms like Africa Extension Academy and PharmaX, the organisation aims to empower 75,000 extension agents by 2030, reaching 50 million farmers across Nigeria and Kenya. Yahaya urged governments and investors to support efforts to build a smarter, connected agricultural landscape.
