As Nigeria grapples with rising food inflation, persistent import dependence, and increasing global supply chain uncertainties, stakeholders across government, industry, and international markets are set to converge in Lagos for Agrofood Nigeria 2026—an event positioned as a catalyst for agro-industrial transformation.
The three-day exhibition and conference, scheduled for March 24–26, 2026, at the Landmark Centre, comes at a critical juncture when Africa’s largest economy must urgently rethink its food systems and reposition agriculture as a driver of exports, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
Now in its 11th edition, Agrofood Nigeria has evolved into West Africa’s leading agro-industrial platform, bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, agribusiness leaders, financiers, and global technology providers to chart a new course for Nigeria’s food economy.
A Sector at a Crossroads
Despite contributing over 22 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, agriculture remains constrained by weak processing capacity, post-harvest losses, and limited value addition—factors that have continued to undermine its industrial potential.
These structural gaps have become even more pronounced amid global disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and trade route whose instability continues to impact shipping costs, energy prices, and supply chain reliability worldwide.
For Nigeria, the ripple effects translate into higher food import bills, elevated transportation costs, and increased pressure on already strained foreign exchange reserves.
Netherlands Leads Global Innovation Drive
This year’s event will spotlight the Netherlands as Guest of Honour and Lead Country Pavilion Exhibitor, reinforcing the exhibition’s focus on practical, scalable solutions.
Globally recognised as the second-largest agricultural exporter, the Netherlands is expected to showcase advanced technologies in food processing, cold-chain logistics, seed systems, packaging, and sustainable agriculture—areas critical to Nigeria’s ambition of building competitive agro-industrial value chains.
Strong International Participation
Agrofood Nigeria 2026 will host exhibitors from more than 15 countries, including the Germany, China, Belgium, and South Africa.
Organisers say these country pavilions are designed to deepen technology transfer, unlock investment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s agro-allied industries through global partnerships.
Economic Outlook and Trade Strategy
The conference will also provide critical insights into the macroeconomic and trade realities shaping the sector.
Leading economist Bismarck Rewane will open discussions with a data-driven analysis of inflation trends, foreign exchange volatility, and investment signals affecting agribusiness.
On the second day, Yemi Kale will focus on trade finance, policy alignment, and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting pathways to scale Nigeria’s agro exports into regional and global markets.
Experts Weigh In on Urgent Reforms
Economic analysts and industry experts say the timing of Agrofood Nigeria 2026 could not be more critical.
Economist Celestine Ukpong noted that Nigeria’s food crisis is increasingly tied to external shocks and internal inefficiencies.
According to him, “Global supply chain disruptions—especially those linked to energy corridors like the Strait of Hormuz—are pushing up import costs. Nigeria must respond by strengthening local production, improving storage systems, and investing in agro-processing to reduce exposure to these shocks.”
Ukpong emphasised that without deliberate policy support and infrastructure investment, Nigeria risks deepening its food import dependency despite its vast agricultural potential.
Public relations and strategic communications expert Dr Ejike Nduilo stressed the importance of perception, branding, and market positioning in Nigeria’s agro-industrial push.
“Nigeria must not only produce but also position its agro-products competitively in global markets. Quality standards, traceability, and strong branding will determine whether Nigerian products can penetrate export markets,” he said.
Nduilo added that events like Agrofood Nigeria play a critical role in reshaping narratives, attracting investors, and showcasing Nigeria’s readiness for global agro-business partnerships.
On his part, financial expert and chartered accountant Peter Adebayo highlighted the importance of financing structures and private-sector participation.
“Agriculture must be treated as a business, not just a development issue. Access to affordable financing, risk management instruments, and incentives for agro-processors will be key to unlocking scale,” he explained.
He further noted that Nigeria must create an enabling environment that attracts both local and foreign investment into agro-processing, logistics, and export infrastructure.
From Potential to Execution
Organisers of the event, fairtrade Messe, say the 2026 edition marks a shift from dialogue to implementation.
According to Managing Director Paul Maerz, Nigeria’s challenge is no longer just increasing production but achieving industrial-scale processing, reducing losses, and meeting global quality standards.
Conference partner Odion Aleobua described the event as a turning point, stressing that Nigeria’s agro-industrial success will depend on policy clarity, technology adoption, and trade readiness.
Private Sector Backs Reform Agenda
Key private-sector institutions have also thrown their weight behind the initiative.
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry all highlighted the urgent need to tackle post-harvest losses, rising production costs, and limited market access through innovation and partnerships.
A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Food Economy
As global supply chains remain volatile and domestic pressures intensify, Agrofood Nigeria 2026 offers a strategic platform to align policy, investment, and technology toward a common goal—transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a resilient, export-driven industrial powerhouse.
With the right mix of reforms, partnerships, and execution, stakeholders believe Nigeria can reduce its dependence on food imports, stabilise prices, and position itself as a competitive player in the global agro-food market.
Agrofood Nigeria 2026 in Lagos brings global stakeholders together as experts urge urgent reforms to reduce food imports, tackle inflation, and grow Nigeria’s agro-industrial exports.
