The European Union has introduced a new digital platform aimed at bolstering investment in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA) at the European Commission, made the announcement during the ninth edition of the Nigeria-EU Business Forum in Abuja.
Ferran emphasized that the platform’s primary goal is to attract increased private investment into Nigeria’s agribusiness, thereby contributing significantly to reducing food insecurity, poverty, and fostering sustainable economic development in the country.
“The EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform is designed to enhance the exploration and exploitation of agribusiness opportunities between Nigeria and the EU,” Ferran explained. “It serves as a digital agricultural platform facilitating digital marketing, trading, and investment activities, as well as promoting interactions and cooperation within the agri-food system and agro-industry, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both regions.”
Ferran highlighted that the platform’s establishment follows commitments made during the November 2020 EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue, aimed at promoting trade, responsible investment, and fostering business linkages, especially among SMEs.
Agribusiness Register Limited, a private sector entity with extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector, will oversee the management of the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform. Ferran underscored that the firm will work closely with various stakeholders, including agribusinesses, farmer groups, aggregators, and government agencies from both the EU and Nigeria. Additionally, partnerships with EU implementing partners will be forged to support agriculture, digitalization, and entrepreneurship initiatives in Nigeria.
