ASA 2026: Transforming Africa into Agricultural Powerhouse

The Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) is set to convene in Abuja on September 15-16, 2026, under the theme ‘Building the Next Superpower: Africa’s Food Power Play.’ Dele Faseemo, Group Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Sterling Bank, highlighted agriculture's central role in the bank's HEART strategy, noting a 39 percent increase in financing across sectors, with agriculture seeing significant growth. Dr. Olushola Obikanye, Group Head of Agric Finance and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank, emphasized Africa's potential, stating it possesses about 60 percent of the world's uncultivated arable land while spending billions on food imports.

He articulated that self-sufficiency in food production is crucial for job creation, trade, and geopolitical power. Christian Mulamula, Principal Country Officer for Nigeria at the International Finance Corporation, stressed the need for an enabling ecosystem for farmers and agribusinesses to thrive, which includes access to finance, technology, and infrastructure.