Dangote Calls for Food Security, Self-Sufficiency Across Africa

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has urged African leaders to prioritise food security and self-sufficiency, stressing the continent’s vast agricultural potential.

Speaking in Lagos over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the AfricaRice Centre, Dangote described agriculture as a key pillar for sustainable development.

“Africa is richly endowed with arable land. With the right policies, adequate investment, and the adoption of modern technology, farmers can significantly increase their yields and return on investment,” he said.

He noted that strengthening agriculture would help tackle socio-economic challenges, given its role as a major source of employment and income.

Dangote Rice Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries, recently signed a ?1.8 trillion purchase and sale agreement with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, owned by the Niger State Government. The deal will guarantee a steady supply of high-quality paddy rice, supporting Nigeria’s food security agenda while creating jobs through an out-grower scheme.

Dr Baboucarr Manneh, Director General of AfricaRice, commended Dangote’s renewed focus on agricultural investments, calling the partnership with Niger State a potential blueprint for regional food systems. He noted that Niger State’s target of producing five million tonnes of rice in five years could make a significant dent in Africa’s reliance on rice imports, which currently stand at 15 million tonnes annually.

He stressed the need for public-private partnerships to combine government leadership with private sector expertise and investment, while also urging better management of imports to protect local farmers.

Sammy Adigun, Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transforming rice production. He disclosed that AfricaRice would support the state in raising annual rice paddy output from 1.5 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes, through climate-smart technologies, mechanisation, and integration of both large-scale and smallholder farms.