Alabi: Africa Must Shift from Raw Exports to Value Addition

Segun Alabi, an agricultural expert, addressed the House of Representatives press corps in Abuja on Wednesday, highlighting the detrimental effects of Africa's reliance on raw agricultural exports. He stated that this practice deepens poverty, limits job creation, and stalls industrial growth across the continent.

Alabi pointed out that the failure to add value to Africa's abundant natural resources is a significant economic challenge. He illustrated his argument using the example of pineapples, where the raw fruit sells for a minimal amount in international markets, while processed products like juice and dried fruit can increase value tenfold.

Alabi called for local and foreign investors, including the African diaspora, to focus on agricultural value chains rather than just primary products. He emphasized the importance of improving farmer education and training to enhance product quality and competitiveness in international markets.

Alabi concluded by urging a fundamental shift in Africa's approach to its resources, advocating for value addition as a new standard to achieve meaningful economic transformation.