The African Development Bank (AfDB) has revealed that wheat demand in Africa has risen sharply to over 75 million metric tonnes. This critical increase highlights the urgent need for strategic investments and innovations in the agricultural sector.
At the West and Central Africa Wheat Summit 2024, which began on Wednesday in Abuja, key stakeholders from across the continent discussed the challenges and opportunities in wheat production to create a sustainable path forward.
AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, represented by Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director General of the Nigeria Country Department, underscored the transformative role of technology in agriculture. He pointed out that advances in mechanization, irrigation systems, and high-yield crop varieties have revolutionized agricultural productivity in several countries, ensuring food security.
Adesina emphasized the potential for Africa to replicate Brazil’s agricultural success, stating, “Two decades ago, Africa’s total wheat consumption was around 25 million metric tonnes. This figure has surged to over 75 million metric tonnes recently.”
The summit, themed *“Prioritising Policy, Innovative Technologies, and Investments in Wheat Transformation towards Sustainable Food Security and Economy in West and Central Africa,”* brought together leading figures to address wheat dependency in the region, where over 80% of the grain is imported. Adesina stressed the need for transformation in the wheat sector to ensure food security and economic growth.
Nigeria’s initiatives to achieve wheat self-sufficiency were also highlighted, with the AfDB commending the country for its progress. The summit called for private sector involvement and collaboration to close the increasing demand-supply gap, fueled by population growth and changing dietary preferences.
As the summit continues, stakeholders aim to influence policies, promote technologies, and identify investment opportunities to boost wheat production across West and Central Africa, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.
