In a stride towards securing a future of food security and as part of activities to mark this year’s Children’s Day, SAHE Foundation in partnership with Agro Nigeria launched the Global Youth AgriTech Network, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at grooming the next generation of leaders in tech-enabled agriculture.
During the launch which took place in Akwa Ibom State, a resounding call to action was made with the theme “Becoming Young Champions of Tech-Enabled Agriculture.”
The hybrid event, held at the Ati Annang Foundation Library Avenue in Ikot Ekpene, drew a wide audience, emphasizing the critical role of youth in revolutionizing the agricultural sector.
The celebration held profound significance, honoring the enduring legacy of the late Emmanuel Etokebe, former chairman of the SAHE Foundation, whose foundational vision continues to guide the organisation.
In a keynote address, Akpasam Ekanem, a lecturer in the department of electrical & electronics engineering, Akwa Ibom State University, Uyo, shared invaluable insights into the dynamic intersection of technology and agriculture.
He indicated that Nigeria stands at the precipice of an agricultural transformation, with its vibrant youth population holding the key to unlocking a future where technology drives food security and economic prosperity.
He emphasized the urgency and potential of this shift. “We are not just here to discuss agriculture. We are here to reshape its future—powered by technology, led by innovation, and driven by young Nigerians,” he declared.
He underscored that the time for agricultural revolution was now given the sector’s pivotal role in African economies and the pressing challenges it faces, including climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and critical gaps in market access and technology.
With global demand projected to reach 9.8 billion people by 2050, and Nigeria boasting a demographic advantage with 60 percent of its population under 25, he posited that the opportunity for youth engagement is unprecedented.
Ekanem highlighted the stark contrast between an aging farming population and a burgeoning, tech-savvy youth. He posited that this demographic dividend presents a unique chance for young Nigerians to infuse agriculture with innovation, making it “sustainable, attractive, and profitable.”
The traditional image of farming, he noted, is rapidly evolving. “Agriculture is now brain-driven,” he asserted, citing examples like drones in Kaduna, mobile applications in Enugu, artificial intelligence in Ogun, and data analytics in Kano. This modern paradigm, he explained, transforms agriculture into a dynamic fusion of “Business + Innovation + Impact.”
The keynote delved into the specific technologies poised to redefine the sector. Precision agriculture, leveraging drones, sensors, and satellite imaging, promises optimized resource use.
Ekanem celebrated the emergence of young Nigerian innovators already leading the charge. He specifically mentioned Onyeka Akumah, founder of FarmCrowdy, as a testament to the transformative power of youthful vision.
He encouraged aspiring agri-tech entrepreneurs with a powerful reminder: “You don’t need perfect conditions—just vision and drive.”
As a call to action for the youth, Ekanem urged young Nigerians to “Embrace Learning,” focusing on digital skills, agri-tech, and coding. He advised them to “Start Small, Think Big” through pilot farms and agri-hackathons, and to actively “Build Networks” by collaborating across sectors. He implored them to demand support in terms of policy, financing, and infrastructure from both government and the private sector.
Idongesit Mbaram, founder of SAHE Foundation, articulated the core mission of the event.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, where technology reshapes every facet of our lives, it is crucial that our children are not just consumers of technology, but creators, innovators, and leaders, especially in a sector as vital as agriculture,” she stated.
Mbaram emphasized the dual benefit of this empowerment: “We believe that by empowering our youth with the knowledge and tools of tech-enabled agriculture, we are not only securing their future but also ensuring food security and sustainable development for our nation and indeed, the world.”
