President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has voiced strong criticism over the $50 billion spent annually by African nations on food imports, arguing that the continent has the capacity to produce these goods itself.
Speaking in Ibadan on Wednesday during a visit to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Bio emphasized the urgent need for Africa to become self-sufficient in food production. He urged leaders to shift away from dependency on foreign food supplies and work toward agricultural transformation.
At a session titled “Strategic Dialogue,” the president challenged African governments to take decisive steps toward food security, highlighting its significance beyond just nourishment.
“We must prioritize what is priority. Food security is not just about food; it’s about our economy, health, employment, and many other things,” Bio stated.
Obstacles to Agricultural Growth
Bio acknowledged that persuading African governments to elevate agriculture as a national priority has been difficult. However, he pointed to countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania as examples of nations making notable progress in food security.
To accelerate agricultural development, Bio stressed the need for proper infrastructure to attract investors, noting that significant financial resources are required to modernize the sector.
“African governments should mobilize domestic revenue and collaborate with the private sector. Taking these steps can make it easier to finance the agriculture sector,” he said.
The president also called on African nations to explore local funding opportunities, particularly given the recent decline in international development aid.
“Even before the current challenges, it has always been difficult because international financial institutions have not made it easy for us to access the requisite funds,” he added.
The Push for Food Sovereignty
Former World Bank Vice-President Hafez Ghanem, who also spoke at the event, reinforced the urgency of food independence, stating that no nation can claim true sovereignty while relying on others for food.
“It is important for Africa to really focus on this issue of food security and agriculture,” he said.
Drawing a comparison to India, Ghanem noted that while both Africa and India have populations of around 1.4 billion, Africa’s division into 54 nations has made large-scale agricultural transformation more challenging.
“We need to work together. One key lesson from India is the role of research and technology in agriculture. To increase yields, we must use better seeds and advanced technologies,” he explained.
Ghanem proposed the creation of a pan-African agricultural research and technology centre to drive innovation across the continent.
He also urged African nations to manufacture fertilizers locally to lower costs for farmers, pointing out that nearly two-thirds of the fertilizers used on the continent are imported. Additionally, he advocated for joint irrigation projects to promote year-round farming.
State Leaders Highlight Agricultural Progress
Several Nigerian governors shared success stories from their states, showcasing efforts to boost agricultural production.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno highlighted his administration’s investment in mechanized farming and its support for small-scale farmers through subsidies and infrastructure development.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau spoke about reviving agricultural institutions and subsidizing fertilizers to increase food production across the state.
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde discussed his government’s focus on improving infrastructure to attract investors. He pointed to the Fashola Agri-Business Hub Initiative, which has drawn significant private sector interest, and a tractor subsidy program designed to support farmers.
Strengthening Partnerships for Food Security
Bio’s visit to IITA was aimed at strengthening collaborations, fostering agricultural innovation, and securing mobile investments to support Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Programme, a major initiative focused on combating food insecurity and malnutrition in the country.
With Africa’s food import bill continuing to rise, the president’s message was clear—agriculture must take centre stage if the continent is to achieve economic resilience and long-term food security.
