Abeokuta (© 2020 Afriquinfos) - Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) was on Wednesday January 29 in front of the students of the Federal University of Agriculture of Abeokuta where he was made an honorary Doctor of Science for his work and contribution to the development of Agriculture across the continent. On this occasion, the leader reminded African youth of their important role in guaranteeing food security in Africa.

Akinwumi Adesina sees the enormous potential that agriculture represents and wants to make young Africans aware of it. For the President of the ADB “agriculture is the most important activity in the world” and Africa with its innumerable assets (65% of arable land) will have to make the most of it for the benefit of its populations. “The size of food and agriculture in Africa will be $1 trillion by 2030. Africa's population, now at 1.2 billion, will double to 2.5 billion. here 2050. They all have to eat. And only through food and agribusiness can this be achieved,” he said.

Also, young Africans must be interested in and invest in agriculture which, according to him, is “the most important profession and business in the world”. Mr. Adesina is also delighted that thousands of young Africans are getting into agribusiness and that "thanks to their innovations in the use of drones, food processing, packaging, transport and logistics and marketing , they are already creating opportunities in agriculture”.

While urging agricultural universities to optimize their role in linking research, innovations and technologies to farmers and agribusiness, Akinwumi Adesina reaffirmed his institution's commitment to supporting the development of the continent. Over the next 10 years, the AfDB will invest $25 billion to transform the continent's agricultural sector.