President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has called for greater prioritisation of food security and self-sufficiency across Africa, citing the continent's vast agricultural potential.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the AfricaRice Centre—a pan-African centre of excellence for rice research and development—Dangote described agriculture as a key pillar for sustainable development.
"Africa is richly endowed with arable land. With the right policies, adequate investment, and modern technology, farmers can significantly increase their yields and return on investment," he said.
Dangote noted that agriculture could address many of Africa's socio-economic challenges, given its role as a major source of employment and income. He added that effective policies and technology adoption could help the continent achieve food security while driving broader economic growth.
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As part of this push, Dangote Rice Limited, a subsidiary of DIL, recently 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 high-quality paddy rice to Dangote Rice in support of Nigeria's food security agenda.
Dangote said the company has invested heavily in rice mills and plantations nationwide, and through its out-grower scheme, aims to create jobs while promoting food self-sufficiency.
Director General of AfricaRice, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, commended Dangote's renewed focus on agriculture, describing it as a vital step toward continental food security. He highlighted Niger State's target of producing five million tonnes of rice within five years, stressing its potential impact on reducing Africa's annual rice imports of about 15 million tonnes.
Manneh also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in transforming food systems by combining government leadership with private sector investment and expertise.
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