FARMFATECH Expo Opens In Abuja As ACCI Seeks More Investment In Mechanized Agriculture

By Admin

Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, has reiterated its commitment towards promoting the interests of farmers, ranchers and agribusiness nationwide through policy advocacy sustainability programme and trade promotion

The President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu who stated this at opening of a three day Farm, Food and Allied Technologies, FARMFATECH Expo in Abuja said Nigeria is blessed with agricultural potential that could aid diversification of the country’s economy

Chief Emeka Obegolu stated that the Expo would enhance food security and technology innovation in agricultural production

According to the President of ACCI, the three days Expo would go a long way in promoting mechanized farming in the country

“It is a tremendous privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies (FARMFATECH) Expo.

This event, organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in collaboration with Autodex Nigeria Limited and other esteemed partners, marks a significant step forward in a journey to reshape the agricultural landscape of Nigeria and, indeed, all of West Africa through agricultural innovation and cross-border collaboration” He said

In his words”FARMFATECH is a groundbreaking, three-day Expo designed to foster global partnerships, particularly between Nigeria and China, as well as other key players in agricultural technology. With participants from 76 countries, this Expo provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange and industry insight that stands to benefit every stakeholder within the agricultural value chain and agriculture, as we know, is the heartbeat of our nation, providing livelihoods to millions, sustaining communities, and bolstering our economy. However, in today’s rapidly changing world, the sector faces a host of challenges, from climate change to financing, and fluctuating markets to the urgent need for modern infrastructure and technology and to sustain agriculture’s vital role, we must innovate, collaborate, and adapt – and that is precisely the purpose of FARMFATECH”.

According to him, the FARMFATECH Expo is set to be an unparalleled arena for showcasing cutting-edge agro-mechanization technologies, food processing innovations, and opportunities for agricultural financing.
Here, we bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to explore transformative opportunities for investment and partnerships that will shape the future of agriculture in Nigeria and beyond.

“As we know, agriculture is a time-honoured profession undergoing a rapid evolution, powered by technological advancements and this Expo offers everyone from farmers and manufacturers to investors and agricultural technology enthusiasts a chance to witness and engage with transformative tools and techniques that are reshaping food production and management”.

“As the voice of Nigeria’s business community, ACCI is committed to advancing ventures that drive economic growth and support sustainable development. Our activities are structured through four Centres: the Business Entrepreneurship and Skills Technology Centre (BEST), the Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC), and the National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC). These Centres, alongside our 16 trade groups, serve as dynamic hubs supporting various sectors of the economy” He stated.

Chief Obegolu explained that Agriculture Trade Group (ATG) plays a crucial role within ACCI, dedicated to championing the interests of farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses across Nigeria and through policy advocacy, sustainability programs, and trade promotion, the ATG strives to foster an environment where agricultural producers can thrive. By supporting research, education, and rural development, the ATG empowers stakeholders to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a prosperous future for agriculture in Nigeria.

“At the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, our interest lies in securing a robust economy, which includes promoting and supporting sectors like agriculture that contribute substantially to our nation’s GDP. Through this Expo, we aim to spotlight investment opportunities in the agro-allied sector, engage policymakers to support this vital industry, and encourage policies to propel economic and individual growth and objectives of FARMFATECH
The Expo is founded on key objectives that include:
• Networking: To foster connections, facilitate engagement, and build robust communities.
• Diversity: To highlight a wide array of exhibitors across industry, trade, and agriculture sectors.
• Value Chain Participation: To allow participants to engage at various points of the agricultural value chain, based on their interests and capabilities.
• Strategic Location: Taking place here in Abuja, a centrally located hub of commerce and policy in Nigeria” the ACCI President emphasized

He therefore urged all participants to take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered here at FARMFATECH. Connect with exhibitors and leverage the innovative products and services presented to bolster their ventures as together, through collaboration and commitment, we can contribute meaningfully to a more prosperous Nigeria.

In a goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa commended ACCI and its Partners for the FARMFATECH Expo.

” This exhibition is timely and in line with the current drive by the Federal Government to embark on aggressive mechanization and rapid cultivation of arable lands in the country and it is even more crucial given that up to 33 million people in Nigeria are vulnerable to hunger in the coming months if something drastic is not done to ensure food sufficiency” He said

In his words”As we are all aware, Nigeria is not alone in the struggle to attain food security. This is because agricultural activities are severely hampered by armed conflict as well as weather shocks as a result of climate change. In realization of the eminent threat to food security, a number of countries around the world adopted military approach as emergency responses and the prolonged unrests caused by insurgency, banditry and farmers/herders clashes across regions of Nigeria have hindered farming and to counter this, the DHQ have made operational arrangements to prioritize protection of farmers successful harvest across the country”

Also speaking, Mr Eric Monchu Intong Acting Group Managing Director, Client Relations, Afreximbank Group Abuja, said ACCI transformative potential resonates strongly with the mandate of the African Export-Import Bank.

“As the Trade Finance Bank for Africa, Afreximbank recognizes agriculture’s critical role in economic development, food security and sovereignty, and sustainable livelihoods and our focus today will be on agriculture financing and value chain development, which are essential for enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and ensuring resilience in the agricultural sector” He said

According to him, agricultural financing is essential for enabling farmers and agribusinesses to secure the capital necessary for investments in technology, infrastructure, and sustainable practices. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global agricultural investments must be significantly increased to address the rising food demand. Currently, the trade finance gap in developing countries is estimated to be approximately $150 billion annually and this gap not only poses a challenge but also represents an opportunity for Development Financial Institutions, such as Afreximbank, to implement tailored and bespoke financial solutions.