The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration between Africa and Brazil in science, research, innovation and livestock development to accelerate food security, increase livestock productivity and drive sustainable transformation of Africa’s agrifood systems.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the call while chairing the High-Level Ministerial Session on Africa–Brazil Partnership for Agrifood Systems Transformation at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and the 10th Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) General Assembly in Abuja on July 28, 2026.
In his opening remarks, Maiha described the session as a strategic platform for strengthening the long-standing partnership between Africa and Brazil through science, technology, innovation and knowledge exchange.
He noted that both regions share similar ecological conditions, abundant agricultural resources and significant production potential, making stronger cooperation essential to addressing food insecurity, reducing poverty and meeting the growing demand for safe and nutritious food.
The Minister cited Brazil’s transformation of the Cerrado into one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions as evidence of what visionary leadership, sustained investment in agricultural research and effective collaboration among governments, research institutions, universities and the private sector can achieve.
He stressed that Africa possesses the land, human capital and favourable climatic conditions needed to achieve similar transformation through sound policies, strategic investments and innovation.
“There is no infertile land; there can only be an infertile mind,” Maiha stated, emphasising that agricultural transformation requires a change in mindset, continuous investment in scientific knowledge, adoption of innovative technologies and greater empowerment of young people across the agricultural value chain.
The Minister identified livestock development as a critical area of Africa–Brazil cooperation, noting that partnerships in livestock genetics, pasture development, animal breeding, nutrition, disease control and modern production systems could significantly improve productivity and strengthen livestock value chains.
He added that deeper collaboration would facilitate technology transfer, build institutional capacity, promote climate-smart livestock production and strengthen resilient food systems capable of meeting Africa’s future food and nutrition needs.
Earlier, the session moderator, Abdul-Razak Ibrahim of FARA, described Africa and Brazil as natural partners with strong historical, cultural and scientific ties.
He said South–South cooperation provides a practical framework for accelerating agricultural transformation through research collaboration, technology transfer, innovation and knowledge sharing.
According to Ibrahim, Brazil’s transition from a food-importing nation to one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters demonstrates the impact of sustained investment in science, technology, research institutions, human capital and innovation.
He noted that Africa could draw lessons from Brazil’s experience while developing solutions suited to its own ecological, social and economic realities.
The ministerial session brought together policymakers, scientists, researchers, development partners and government representatives from Brazil, Nigeria and other African countries to explore practical strategies for expanding cooperation in agricultural research, livestock development, innovation and technology transfer.
Discussions focused on strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting collaborative research, enhancing technology exchange and developing sustainable financing mechanisms to support agricultural research and innovation.
Participants agreed that Africa’s agricultural transformation requires stronger collaboration among governments, universities, research institutions, development partners and the private sector.
They also stressed that sustained investment in research and innovation is essential to increasing productivity, improving food security and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The representative of the Brazilian Government reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to expanding technical cooperation with Nigeria and other African countries through knowledge exchange, capacity building, agricultural research, livestock genetics, technology transfer and institutional support.
He explained that Brazil’s objective was not to replicate its agricultural model in Africa but to work with African countries to adapt proven technologies and innovations to local environmental and socio-economic conditions.
Similarly, a representative of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa, highlighted the institution’s role in transforming tropical agriculture through sustained investment in scientific research, skilled manpower and strong partnerships involving government, academia, producers and the private sector.
She reaffirmed Embrapa’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with African countries through joint research programmes, scientist exchanges, training opportunities and the adaptation of innovative technologies to improve livestock production, pasture management, soil health and climate resilience.
Other panelists called for stronger research institutions, greater investment in higher education, expanded postgraduate training, increased youth participation in agricultural science and innovation-driven policies tailored to Africa’s diverse production systems.
Participants also advocated increased domestic investment in agricultural research, stronger public-private partnerships, expanded researcher exchange programmes and greater support for the Agricultural Research and Innovation Fellowship for Africa (ARIFA).
They noted that sustained financing for research and innovation remains critical to achieving long-term agricultural growth, improved livestock production and food security across the continent.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to deepen Africa–Brazil cooperation in science, research, innovation, technology transfer and capacity development as key drivers of sustainable agricultural transformation and economic growth.
