France–Nigeria Agri-Business Summit 2026: Strengthening Partnerships, Investment and Sustainable Growth

The France–Nigeria Agri-Business Summit 2026 brought together agricultural stakeholders, business leaders, investors, research institutions and government representatives from both countries to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in agriculture and agribusiness.

Held on Wednesday, November 4, at Access Bank Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of French Week 2026, the summit was organised around the theme, “France Nigeria: Driving Investments, Trade and Sustainable Growth.” It provided a platform for discussions on agricultural investment, trade, innovation, financing and partnerships between French and Nigerian businesses.

Exhibition and Opening of the Summit

The programme began with an exhibition where participating agricultural companies showcased their farm produce, products, technologies and services. The exhibition provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about the businesses and solutions operating across different parts of the agricultural value chain.

Among the organisations represented were the African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), Forthworth Farms, Jokun Farms, Sourcing and Produce, and UniLaSalle. Their displays reflected different areas of agricultural activity, including quality assurance, farming, poultry, commodities, technology, sourcing and agricultural education.

The exhibition was followed by the opening remarks, featuring Guillaume Niarfeix, President of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Maxime Bieliaeff of Business France; and Rachid Benlafquih, Senior Agriculture Counsellor at the French Embassy.

Their contributions reflected the shared interest in turning the existing relationship between France and Nigeria into practical business opportunities. Niarfeix had previously described the broader objective of French Week as turning dialogue between French and Nigerian businesses into concrete partnerships.

This focus was particularly relevant to the agribusiness forum, which brought together investors, financial institutions, agricultural companies and development organisations to explore opportunities for cooperation.

Bieliaeff’s participation reflected Business France’s role in connecting French companies with Nigerian businesses and supporting cross-border commercial partnerships, while Benlafquih brought the agricultural cooperation perspective of the French Embassy, particularly in strengthening collaboration across the agrifood value chain.

Presentation of the France–Nigeria Agribusiness Club

The next session focused on the presentation of the France–Nigeria Agribusiness Club (FNABC), including its economic objectives, vision, mandate and membership plans.

The presentation outlined the Club’s role as a platform for connecting businesses and stakeholders, encouraging partnerships, supporting trade opportunities and improving access to relevant networks in both countries.

The session also featured the announcement of the Nigeria Pavilion at the 2027 Salon International de l’Agriculture (SIA 2027) in France. The initiative is intended to provide Nigerian agricultural businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products, connect with international buyers and explore potential partnerships.

The official launch of the Nigeria Pavilion was scheduled for December 15, 2026, with the involvement of the French Embassy’s Senior Agriculture Counsellor, Business France’s Senior Trade Adviser on AgroTech and the FNABC President.

Official Inauguration of the Club

The Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier, formally inaugurated the France–Nigeria Agribusiness Club.

His address highlighted the opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural sector and the potential for French expertise, technology and investment to support the development of the country’s agricultural value chain.

He also drew attention to the importance of addressing challenges affecting agricultural production and distribution, including infrastructure gaps and post-harvest losses.

His remarks reinforced the need for stronger cooperation between public institutions and private-sector stakeholders to turn agricultural potential into sustainable business opportunities.

Dr Simeon Ehui Highlights the Role of Agricultural Innovation

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Simeon Ehui, Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), under the theme, “Agricultural Innovation and Agribusiness Investment: Opportunities for Sustainable Growth.”

Dr Ehui focused on the relationship between agricultural research, innovation and investment, emphasising that scientific discoveries must translate into practical solutions that farmers and agribusinesses can adopt.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that research does not remain within laboratories but reaches the farmers and businesses that need it.

As he explained during his presentation, “Scientific breakthroughs must reach the farmers who produce our food…”

He also highlighted the importance of farmers seeing practical benefits before new technologies can be widely adopted, noting that “A promising technology will not scale unless farmers see value in it…”

Dr Ehui discussed the need to involve farmers and private-sector operators in developing and applying agricultural technologies. He also highlighted the importance of investment, commercialisation and improved market access in helping innovations reach more people and create value across the agricultural value chain.

His presentation drew attention to agricultural technologies and initiatives, including SAH, Rhizomax, Aflasafe and Agroloop, as examples of efforts to address production challenges and improve agricultural outcomes.

The keynote also touched on opportunities in aquaculture and the potential to expand agricultural production and exports through research, improved practices and stronger business partnerships.

His message reinforced the need to connect agricultural innovation with investment and practical adoption to support food security, business growth and sustainable development.

Discussions on Financing and Agripreneur Development

The summit featured two panel discussions examining different aspects of agricultural development.

The first panel focused on “Agribusiness Financing and Value Chain Development.” It featured Tosin Faniro-Dada of Breega, France; Dr Chuka Nwachukwu of UBA, Nigeria; Sally A. Ibrahim of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France; Emmanuel Makinwa of Access Bank, Nigeria; and Godwin Gabriel of Baobab, Nigeria.

The discussion examined the role of financial institutions and investors in supporting agribusinesses, improving access to finance and strengthening agricultural value chains. The panel also provided an opportunity to consider how financial partnerships could support businesses at different stages of agricultural production and processing.

The session was moderated by Mr Moses Umoru of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

The second panel addressed “Supporting Agripreneurs’ Growth Through Specialised Trainings and Capacity Building.” The discussion featured Stephanie Pineau of UniLaSalle, France, and Ayomide Akindolie of Fate Foundation.

The speakers examined the importance of specialised training, practical knowledge and capacity-building opportunities in preparing agripreneurs to manage and grow their businesses.

The session also highlighted the role of educational institutions and business-support organisations in equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills required to operate successfully in the agricultural sector.

Partnerships Sealed Through Signing of Agreements

A major part of the summit was the signing ceremony, which featured three strategic partnership agreements involving organisations from France and Nigeria.

The first agreement involved M2i, the Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The partnership is aimed at supporting the deployment of environmentally friendly crop-protection solutions, particularly for tomato farmers.

The second agreement brought together Lesaffre, the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), and the Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN). The collaboration is expected to support technical development and improve skills and product quality within Nigeria’s baking industry.

The third agreement was between JR Farms and UniLaSalle. The partnership focuses on training and capacity development for agribusiness professionals, with the aim of strengthening practical knowledge and improving expertise within the agricultural sector.

The agreements represented a practical outcome of the summit’s focus on connecting French expertise with Nigerian agricultural opportunities.

Conclusion

The France–Nigeria Agri-Business Summit 2026 demonstrated the importance of building stronger connections between agricultural businesses, investors, financial institutions, research organisations and government agencies.

Through its exhibition, keynote address, panel discussions and partnership agreements, the summit created opportunities for both countries to explore practical ways of advancing agricultural investment, trade, innovation and sustainable growth.

Follow Amebopreneur for the latest on Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, startup funding opportunities, and the cross-border partnerships shaping Africa’s innovation future.