US Solicits Private sector partnerships to addressing global food security

Private sector partnerships are critical to accelerating progress in addressing the challenges of global food security crisis and advancing development in West Africa. This was disclosed at the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub Learning Event, on Leveraging Private Sector Engagement to Promote Sustainable Impact in Abuja, Nigeria.

The learning event highlighted U.S. government’s efforts to expand trade and investment opportunities and improve livelihoods and communities in Nigeria and West Africa.

The USAID/Nigeria Acting Mission Director, Sara Werth, explained that as the world was faced with a number of challenges ranging from human and economic costs of the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change-related disasters that is causing food insecurity, addressing it needs collaborations.

“USAID knows that addressing these challenges and advancing development outcomes cannot be solved by traditional development and government resources alone. Private sector partnerships are critical to accelerating progress, to that end, in 2019, USAID awarded the five-year West Africa Trade and Investment Hub.

This innovative program supports 16 West African countries, and brings local producers, manufacturers, and the private sector together through joint investments. We are partnering to improve food security, boost employment among women and youth, build resilience to climate change, foster agribusiness competitiveness and productivity, and boost international and regional exports”. She explained

Ms. Werth, while commending Kaduna State for a job well done, also said the learning event provides opportunity for continued collaboration.

“I would first like to recognize Kaduna State for creating an environment ripe for investment. Thanks to your efforts, Kaduna State has emerged as a leading industrial center in Nigeria. And your efforts to create an enabling business environment is already resulting in market leed solutions.

Together, with our private sector partners and local and national governments throughout the region, we are so proud of the results we have achieved to date.

As we continue to partner in the work necessary for sustainable economic growth, financial inclusion, and climate resilience, today’s learning event provides the environment to fuel continued collaboration and build new connections.”

According to, Chief of Party, West Africa Trade and Investment Hub Robin Wheeler and, Senior Trade and Investment Adviser, USAID, Nigeria Evelyn Ayivor, US has invested $28 million non-refundable grants to support the expansion of 33 firms in last four years.

The duo said “Nigeria is the largest economy and market in Africa and has a vast untapped pool of labor, creating great potential for economic growth. It has an opportunity to become a leading exporter and hub for the West Africa region and the broader continent. Over the past five years, USAID has promoted private sector-led economic growth in Nigeria by facilitating $205 million in debt and equity investment for Nigerian agribusinesses.

The Trade Hub improves private sector competitiveness with a focus on increasing the agricultural productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers in Nigeria and promoting West Africa’s regional and international trade.

Using a market-based approach, the project also increases partnerships with firms in various sectors through a co-investment grant facility to improve private sector productivity, profitability, and competitiveness. Since the Trade Hub was launched in 2019, the project has catalyzed 93 private sector investments across 16 West African countries.

In Nigeria, partners include fruit and cereal processing companies, agricultural input companies, financial advisers, investment firms, and anchor farms. The Trade Hub has awarded $82.6 million in co-investment grants to these companies, generating over $463 million in sales, and creating over 60,000 jobs”. They said

On his part the Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who was represented the Commissioner for Agriculture, noted that  “As we discuss the success, we must also acknowledge the formidable challenges that we have encountered along the way. The last few years have seen unprecedented global crises, including the COVID -19 pandemic, insecurity issues, and inflation. These challenges have not only tested our resolve but have also underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience. The strategies we have implemented to navigated these challenges are a testament to our commitment to sustaining the progress we have achieved. The ability to pivot and adapt in the face of adversity is a defining characteristics of successful partnership”.

During the event, private sector partners shared their successes in leveraging Trade Hub funds and direct partnerships with investment firms and other businesses to unlock new private investment.

They also discussed the strategies implemented to grow their businesses while navigating challenges and crises such as COVID-19, insecurity, and inflation as well as exhibitions of Agric product from different private-sector companies across West Africa.