The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for expanded technical and scientific cooperation between African nations and Brazil to accelerate food security, modernise livestock value chains, and drive the sustainable transformation of the continent’s agrifood systems. 

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the call while chairing the High-Level Ministerial Session on the Africa–Brazil Partnership for Agrifood Systems Transformation on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Abuja.

The high-level session formed a key highlight of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and the 10th Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) General Assembly. 

Minister Maiha emphasised that both regions share complementary ecological profiles, rich agricultural resource bases, and significant production potential. 

Pointing to Brazil’s successful conversion of the Cerrado region into a global agricultural powerhouse through research, infrastructure capital, and public-private coordination, Maiha noted that African countries can achieve similar milestones by applying strategic investment, technology adoption, and youth empowerment.

The Minister identified livestock development as a key pillar for bilateral cooperation, urging targeted partnerships in livestock genetics, pasture development, animal nutrition, cross-breeding, and disease control. 

Representatives from the Government of Brazil and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) reaffirmed their commitment to South–South knowledge exchange, emphasising joint research, academic exchanges, and technology adaptation tailored to Africa’s local agro-ecological realities. 

Panellists called for increased domestic funding for research networks, public-private co-financing, and expanded support for the Agricultural Research and Innovation Fellowship for Africa (ARIFA) to build long-term sector resilience.

Source: FMLD