The Federal Government has called for stronger and more proactive partnerships among African countries to accelerate agricultural development, strengthen agrifood systems and achieve sustainable food security across the continent.
The appeal was made by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, at the closing session of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week and 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), held in Abuja on Thursday.
Abdullahi urged African governments, research institutions, development partners and the private sector to translate their commitments into concrete actions by deepening science-driven partnerships capable of delivering food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development.
According to him, the four-day gathering demonstrated Africa's collective resolve to harness science, innovation and collaboration as the foundation for transforming the continent's agrifood systems.
"Abuja has not merely hosted another conference; together, we have written another important chapter in the history of African agricultural transformation," the minister said.
He stressed the need to sustain the momentum generated during the assembly by converting its resolutions into strategic partnerships, collaborative research, stronger institutions and increased investment that would improve the livelihoods of farmers across Africa.
"The conversations that began here must not end here. The partnerships established in Abuja must mature into collaborative research, stronger institutions, increased investment and measurable impact in the lives of our farmers. Africa cannot afford fragmented efforts. Our future depends on collective action," he added.
The minister described FARA as one of Africa's leading continental institutions, commending its role in bringing together regional research organisations, national agricultural research systems, universities, CGIAR centres, farmer organisations, the private sector and development partners to promote agricultural innovation and regional collaboration.
He also applauded participants for the scientific exchanges, policy dialogues, technology demonstrations and youth innovation showcases, noting that the outcomes reflected Africa's growing capacity to drive agricultural transformation through research and innovation.
Abdullahi praised FARA's governance culture, describing the peaceful transition to a new Board of Directors as evidence of the institution's maturity, transparency and accountability.
He congratulated the newly elected Chairperson, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, and other board members, urging them to consolidate existing gains and strengthen FARA's position as Africa's leading voice on agricultural research and innovation.
The minister also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing board, the Executive Director, the African Union Commission, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), development partners, sponsors, exhibitors, security agencies, media organisations and members of the organising committees for the successful hosting of the assembly.
He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to supporting FARA's vision, expressing confidence that the assembly's resolutions would accelerate the implementation of the CAADP Kampala Declaration and Agenda 2063 while advancing the goal of building a food-secure, resilient and prosperous Africa.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected FARA Board Chairperson, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to strengthen agricultural research, innovation and strategic partnerships across the continent over the next three years.
Bagabe said his leadership would focus on promoting resilient food systems, empowering youth and women, improving livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience and mobilising greater investment to advance FARA's mandate.
The event also featured the unveiling of FARA's new Board of Directors, marking a new chapter in the organisation's leadership.