Manny Ita
During a high-level policy session on February 3, 2026, Ade Adefeko of Olam Agri called for a fundamental shift in the continent’s economic strategy, urging a transition from “inherited financial models” to a self-reliant “For Africa, by Africa” framework. Addressing a panel that included the Honorable Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Adefeko argued that traditional Western financial structures—often characterized as rigid and collateral-heavy—have historically failed to account for the unique economic climate of the continent. He asserted that Africa is no longer merely a “risk to be managed,” but rather a “frontier to be cultivated,” requiring patient and inclusive capital that aligns with the long-term nature of agricultural cycles.
Central to the discourse was the distinction between food security and food sovereignty. Adefeko noted that while food security ensures basic access to nutrition, “Food Sovereignty is about owning the land, the seeds, the financing, and the value chain that puts the food in that bowl.” He emphasized that true sovereignty grants a nation the power to define its own agricultural policies without being subject to the volatility of international markets. Highlighting Olam’s operational history in Nigeria since 1989, he explained that the company has functioned as a logistical and financial engine for smallholder farmers, creating an adaptive framework to bridge the gap where traditional banks have hesitated to lend.
The presentation also underscored the critical role of data and accountability in scaling African businesses. Adefeko cited a core institutional philosophy, stating, “What doesn’t get measured, doesn’t get done.” He challenged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric by measuring success through specific metrics, such as bushels per hectare for smallholders and the actual inclusive participation of women and youth in finance. By measuring “Resilience” alongside “Return,” he argued that the perceived high risk of African ventures could be reclassified as high opportunity, particularly when backed by three decades of consistent agricultural productivity and local processing value.
Concluding with a call to action, Adefeko urged private players and developmental partners like CBZ Holdings and Anrong FZE to move toward “ecosystem partnerships” rather than simple lender-borrower relationships. He proposed integrated value-chain financing that covers everything from seeds to transport, aimed at reducing import dependency. Adefeko maintained that the current global economic contraction serves as an “unveiling” of the need for self-reliance, stating that the capital required for growth is already present within the continent if properly mobilized through smart, policy-aligned investments.
