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The European Union (EU) has launched a digital platform aimed at enhancing investment in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector. This announcement was made by the Deputy Director General of the Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA) of the European Commission at the 9th edition of the Nigeria-EU Business Forum in Abuja.
Ms. Ferran stated that the platform is designed to increase private investments in Nigeria’s agribusiness, contributing to the reduction of food insecurity and poverty, and promoting sustainable economic development in the country.
“The EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform will enhance the exploration and exploitation of agribusiness opportunities between Nigeria and the EU,” she said. “It will establish and maintain a network of active members of agribusinesses across Nigeria and the EU.”
Ms. Ferran explained that the platform serves as a digital agricultural space providing marketing, trading, and investment opportunities for commercial activities. It facilitates interactions, communications, integrations, and cooperation within the agri-food system and agro-industry between Nigerian and European SMEs.
The primary focus of the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform is to create linkages and interactions between Nigerian and EU agribusiness stakeholders, particularly among SMEs, thereby promoting trade and investment between both regions.
“The idea for an agribusiness platform originates from the commitments made during the November 2020 EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue,” Ms. Ferran said. “In consultation with the Nigerian government, it was decided to launch the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform as a structured dialogue between Nigerian and EU farming and agri-food communities, and the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors. This initiative aims to promote trade, attract responsible investment, and foster business linkages, especially for SMEs.”
The management of the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform will be handled by Agribusiness Register Limited, a private sector entity well-versed in the agribusiness ecosystem. The decision to entrust the platform to a private sector-led entity was made during a consultative meeting of stakeholders, ensuring collaboration between public and private sectors.
Ms. Ferran highlighted that Agribusiness Register Limited would engage with selected agribusinesses, farmer groups, aggregators, and other critical stakeholders. Additionally, it will foster partnerships and collaboration with EU implementing partners and relevant Nigerian government agencies in agriculture, digital, and entrepreneurship sectors.
“In particular, it will work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy,” she added.
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