Business
Investment in agriculture necessary to feed the two billion who will go hungry by 2050
DAKAR – Nearly 240 million Africans are malnourished and although only one-third of those who face hunger are based in Africa, the percentage of people who suffer from hunger here is higher than in any other region of the world,” stated Mr. Charles Abugre Akelyira, Africa Regional Director of the UN Millennium campaign, based in Nairobi. We must invest in agriculture not just to feed the current generation but to prepare for the two billion more mouths we will need to feed by 2050. In particular, we have to invest in small-scale agriculture, as part of our mixed strategy. Two-thirds of our farm outputs come from small farmers, he said.
Mr. Akelyira was the keynote speaker at the recent two-day convening entitled A Decade of CAADP: Reflections on Key Outcomes of Agricultural Policy Reforms in Africa. The convening, held at the Laico Regency Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya on November 12-13 was sponsored by TrustAfrica, in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its purpose was to raise awareness about the role of agriculture in development and to give voice to those most affected by agricultural development policies, particularly smallholder farmers.
Participants from six African countries Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria came together to reflect on the work they have done under TrustAfrica’s Agricultural Reform project. The advocacy project, begun in 2010, seeks to raise awareness among smallholder farmers about the promises made under the Maputo Declaration Target, which, in part, states that African governments will dedicate 10% of their budgets to pro-poor agricultural policies. The aim is to have farmers hold their governments accountable for the budgets they have been promised. So far TrustAfrica has assisted 21 organizations over the 3 years the program has been in operation. It has donated approximately $955,629 in grants on behalf of the Gates Foundation.
During the conference, panelists reflected on the performance of the CAADP (the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program) since its inception 10 years ago. There was an agreement that more education needs to be done to create greater awareness around the issues facing smallholder farmers on the part of CAADP. We have their blessing, but not their drive, one participant stated. There should be sector-wide reviews involving all stakeholders, stated another.
This has been an important opportunity for stakeholders working with the smallholder farming sector to gather together their impressions, lessons learned and ideas around the issues related to the CADDP and improving the lives of smallholder farmers, said TrustAfrica Acting Program Director, Dr. Tendai Murisa.
However, when it comes to the issues that concern these stakeholders, there is still work to be done. We are excited about the fact that the AU has decided to declare 2014 the year of Agriculture and Food Security. However, we are concerned that African governments have not increased their allocations to agriculture. There is an urgent need to realign the policies and resources of governments so that they better reflect the already existing consensus that in Africa, agriculture has the potential to be the engine that can drive inclusive growth and development.
Participants took time during the conference to share lessons learned and strategies for their continued advocacy work. Topics included the role of research and extension work, resource mobilization strategies, and trends and innovations surrounding policy work. In the evening, participants also took part in a Marketplace Exposition that allowed civil society organizations to share some of the results of their efforts.
DAKAR – “Nearly 240 million Africans are malnourished and although only one-third of those who face hunger are based in Africa, the percentage of people who suffer from hunger here is higher than in any other region of the world,” stated Mr. Charles Abugre Akelyira, Africa Regional Director of the UN Millennium campaign, based in Nairobi. “We must invest in agriculture not just to feed the current generation but to prepare for the two billion more mouths we will need to feed by 2050. In particular, we have to invest in small-scale agriculture, as part of our mixed strategy. Two-thirds of our farm outputs come from small farmers,” he said.
Mr. Akelyira was the keynote speaker at the recent two-day convening entitled “A Decade of CAADP: Reflections on Key Outcomes of Agricultural Policy Reforms in Africa.” The convening, held at the Laico Regency Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya on November 12-13 was sponsored by TrustAfrica, in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its purpose was to raise awareness about the role of agriculture in development and to give voice to those most affected by agricultural development policies, particularly smallholder farmers.
Participants from six African countries—Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria—came together to reflect on the work they have done under TrustAfrica’s Agricultural Reform project. The advocacy project, begun in 2010, seeks to raise awareness among smallholder farmers about the promises made under the Maputo Declaration Target, which, in part, states that African governments will dedicate 10% of their budgets to pro-poor agricultural policies. The aim is to have farmers hold their governments accountable for the budgets they have been promised. So far TrustAfrica has assisted 21 organizations over the 3 years the program has been in operation. It has donated approximately $955,629 in grants on behalf of the Gates Foundation.
During the conference, panelists reflected on the performance of the CAADP (the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program) since its inception 10 years ago. There was an agreement that more education needs to be done to create greater awareness around the issues facing smallholder farmers on the part of CAADP. “We have their blessing, but not their drive,” one participant stated. “There should be sector-wide reviews involving all stakeholders,” stated another.
“This has been an important opportunity for stakeholders working with the smallholder farming sector to gather together their impressions, lessons learned and ideas around the issues related to the CADDP and improving the lives of smallholder farmers,” said TrustAfrica Acting Program Director, Dr. Tendai Murisa.
“However, when it comes to the issues that concern these stakeholders, there is still work to be done. We are excited about the fact that the AU has decided to declare 2014 the year of Agriculture and Food Security. However, we are concerned that African governments have not increased their allocations to agriculture. There is an urgent need to realign the policies and resources of governments so that they better reflect the already existing consensus that in Africa, agriculture has the potential to be the engine that can drive inclusive growth and development.”
Participants took time during the conference to share lessons learned and strategies for their continued advocacy work. Topics included the role of research and extension work, resource mobilization strategies, and trends and innovations surrounding policy work. In the evening, participants also took part in a Marketplace Exposition that allowed civil society organizations to share some of the results of their efforts.
In a move perceived as an important milestone in the company’s journey to accelerate its Beyond XXX vision and drive the next phase of growth, innovation, and impact, Sahara has announced the appointment of Chidilim Menakaya as Managing Director.
Menakaya is a seasoned transformation and strategy executive, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Prior to her appointment, Menakaya served as Director of the Sahara Foundation, where she led the company’s sustainability and social impact agenda.
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Under her leadership, the Foundation expanded the reach of Sahara’s EXTRApreneurship model, strengthened strategic partnerships, and deepened socio-economic impact across communities in the company’s locations.
Widely respected for her collaborative leadership style, strategic insight, and ability to build high-performing teams, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to developing people, driving innovation, and delivering measurable outcomes.
Commenting on the appointment, Executive Director, Sahara, Ade Odunsi, said the decision reflects Sahara’s confidence in purposeful leadership and its commitment to building the future from within.
“For over three decades now we have remained committed to our vision of bringing energy to life responsibly. Beyond XXX represents our commitment to shaping the future through bold thinking, innovation, sustainability, and shared value creation. Chidilim’s appointment reflects these aspirations. We are confident that under her leadership, Sahara will continue to expand the frontiers of impact and create sustainable value for stakeholders across our markets.”
Odunsi noted that the appointment signals Sahara’s determination to build a resilient, future-focused enterprise capable of thriving in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
As Managing Director, Menakaya will provide strategic leadership for steering Sahara’s Beyond XXX agenda, enhancing stakeholder value, and positioning Sahara for continued growth and global relevance.
Menakaya holds executive and professional qualifications from leading global institutions, including London Business School, INSEAD, and Manchester Business School. She is also a certified Human Resources Business Partner, Transformation and Reputation Manager, and Prosci-certified Change Management Practitioner.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE (DPRP) Initial Public Offering (IPO), has been described as an important precedent in the Nigerian capital market.
Sharing the view in a statement on Monday, Olaniwun Ajayi LP also expressed its pleasure at having advised on the IPO while acting as Joint Solicitor to the transaction.
According to a Forbes report on Monday, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, saw his fortune rise to $51.3 billion following the launch of the refinery’s highly anticipated IPO on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), amid strong investor demand on the opening day.
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The transaction was brought to the market by a consortium of professional advisers, including Olaniwun Ajayi LP, which acted as the Joint Solicitors to the issue.
In that capacity, the firm advised Dangote Refinery on the legal aspects of the offer, from transaction structuring and regulatory engagement through to launch
According to the law firm, the transaction is expected to be the largest IPO in both Nigeria and Africa, marking the first public offer of shares by a Nigerian Free Zone Enterprise (NFZE) in Nigeria.
The law firm stated that the transaction matters beyond the deal as it “establishes an important precedent for capital raising by Free Zone Enterprises”, while contributing to the continued development of the Nigerian capital market.
It added that the proceeds are intended to support DPRP’s long-term growth strategy, including the expansion of its refining and petrochemicals capacity.
The law firm stressed that the offer broadens public participation in one of Africa’s most significant industrial assets.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has assured investors that the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE presents a compelling opportunity for strong returns and sustainable wealth creation, positioning the offer as a chance for Nigerians and Africans to participate in one of the continent’s most significant industrial achievements.
Speaking during the “Facts Behind the Offer” presentation at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in Lagos, Dangote described the $1.6 billion offer as the largest IPO ever undertaken in Africa, underscoring the company’s commitment to broadening ownership and enabling millions of individuals to benefit from the value generated by a world-class industrial enterprise.
According to him, the refinery IPO is more than a capital raising exercise; it is an opportunity for investors to become part owners of a strategic asset that is already delivering strong operational and financial results.
“The Dangote Refinery IPO is more than an investment opportunity; it is an opportunity for millions of Nigerians and Africans to build lasting wealth through ownership of a world-class industrial asset. We have built a refinery that is already delivering strong revenues, solid profitability and significant value to the economy. By investing today, shareholders are not only positioning themselves to enjoy attractive returns and dividend prospects, but they are also laying the foundation for generational wealth that can benefit their children and grandchildren. This offer is designed to allow ordinary people to participate in an extraordinary success story and share in the long-term value that Dangote Refinery will continue to create for decades to come.”
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He emphasised that the offer reflects the Group’s long-standing philosophy of creating prosperity through broad ownership, enabling ordinary citizens to share in the success of transformational businesses
Dangote noted that the refinery has already fulfilled its core vision of transforming Nigeria from a major importer of refined petroleum products into a significant refining and export hub, supplying domestic demand while serving markets across Africa and beyond.
“We are not merely offering shares; we are offering Nigerians an opportunity to participate in a transformational chapter of our economic history. This is a strategic investment in an asset that is creating jobs, conserving foreign exchange, enhancing energy security and strengthening Africa’s industrial capacity,” he stated
The IPO has been structured to encourage broad participation, with 4.1 billion ordinary shares offered at N525 per share and a minimum subscription of just 10 shares valued at N5,250. The offer is expected to attract a diverse range of investors, including civil servants, teachers, artisans, students, institutional investors, pension funds and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Highlighting the refinery’s financial strength, Dangote disclosed that the company generated approximately N19.47 trillion in revenue during the first half of 2026, while profit after tax reached N2.55 trillion, demonstrating its capacity to create sustainable value for shareholders.
At the offer price, Dangote Petroleum Refinery is expected to achieve an implied market capitalisation of approximately N65.22 trillion. Together with the market capitalisations of Dangote Cement Plc and Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, the listing is projected to create an equity cluster valued at about N83.5 trillion, making the Dangote Group the largest equity cluster on the Nigerian Exchange.
Commenting on the significance of the transaction, NGX Group Chairman, Umaru Kwairanga, described the offer as a defining milestone for Africa’s capital markets and a demonstration of the capacity of African capital to finance large-scale projects capable of accelerating economic growth and development across the continent.
Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hailed the IPO as a watershed moment for Africa’s financial markets, noting that it reinforces confidence in the continent’s ability to mobilize capital and invest in its own future.
“This transaction is changing perceptions about what is possible in Africa. It is creating opportunities for a broad spectrum of investors, from small business owners and market traders to institutional investors and technology entrepreneurs,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Stock Exchange, Kesegofetse Molatlhegi, commended Dangote for demonstrating that African ambition can deliver globally significant industrial projects, while encouraging greater continental participation in the refinery’s growth story.
For his part, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Davide Bird, highlighted the refinery’s operational achievements, noting that it has become the largest single supplier of refined petroleum products into Europe and continues to maintain safe, reliable and efficient operations. He added that the company remains focused on delivering its Vision 2030 objective of becoming the world’s largest integrated refinery and petrochemical complex.
Reaffirming the significance of the offer, Dangote said the IPO represents an opportunity for investors to move from consumers to owners and participate in the long-term growth of one of Africa’s most strategic industrial enterprises.
“This is a defining investment opportunity. We want millions of Nigerians and Africans to become owners of a business that has been built to create value for generations. Those who invest today are positioning themselves to benefit from the growth, resilience and enduring legacy of a truly transformational enterprise,” he said.
Photo Caption: L-R: Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Managing Director, Coronation Asset Management Limited, Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group, Temi Popoola; Lagos Governor, Babajide Sawo-Olu; Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Oil & Gas, Fertiliser and WAEP, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals Initial Public Offering (IPO) Facts Behind the Figure presentation at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Lagos on Monday, September 14, 2026.
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