The Nigerian government has unveiled a 10-year Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through youth-led innovation.
The announcement came as part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2036), which focuses on improving food and nutrition security across Africa.
Vice President Kashim Shettima shared the details on Tuesday during the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Speaking at a high-level dialogue involving African leaders and youth agri-food entrepreneurs, the Vice President emphasized the role of young Nigerians in reshaping food systems.
“A nation that is prepared for the future is not known by the promises it makes, but by the place it gives to its youth in shaping those promises. To see African youths leading the charge in this essential sector speaks more eloquently than any speech,” Shettima said.
The action plan will prioritize agricultural innovation, food sustainability, and economic diversification.
Government officials also stressed the need to attract investment in agritech, rural farming, and modern agricultural practices, aligning the plan with national economic growth and food security goals.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima also addressed the Plenary Session on Transforming Food Systems in Complex Settings, where he announced that Nigeria has already committed $538.05 million to the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
The initiative is designed to increase agricultural productivity, enhance rural livelihoods, and drive agro-industrialisation across key regions.
“The SAPZ programme in Nigeria is being implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and other key development partners. The initiative is projected to attract $1 billion in total investments by 2027, reduce post-harvest losses by 80%, and has already generated over 785,000 jobs across targeted regions,” Shettima stated.
He stressed that African youths remain central to shaping the future of the agri-food sector, describing them as the continent’s most valuable asset. He urged both public and private stakeholders to mobilise support for youth participation in agricultural transformation.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s focus on food security, the Vice President said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has declared a State of Emergency on Food Security, reactivated more than 500,000 hectares of arable land, expanded access to seeds and extension services, and deployed strategic food reserves.
