WAF launches Kenya, Nigeria councils to drive feed and agribusiness growth

AFRICA – The World Agriculture Forum (WAF) has launched Country Councils in Kenya and Nigeria, signalling a coordinated push to transform agriculture through innovation, investment and stronger value chains, with feed systems emerging as a central pillar.

The Kenya Country Council was inaugurated at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, positioning the country as a hub for agricultural innovation across artificial intelligence, bioengineering and biotechnology.

Delivering a message on behalf of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, government representatives said:

“Kenya is ready to lead a new era where agriculture, science, technology and innovation converge to transform food systems.”

The council will serve as a platform to align government, the private sector, researchers, and investors to accelerate policy implementation, unlock financing, and scale technologies across agriculture, including livestock and feed.

Kenya’s positioning is supported by national frameworks such as the AI Strategy 2025-2030 and ongoing biotechnology reforms, as well as commitments to increase investment in science, technology, and innovation.

Nigeria council targets agribusiness, feed and value chains

In parallel, WAF launched its Nigeria Country Council in Abuja, where stakeholders emphasised agriculture’s role as a driver of economic growth, food security and job creation.

Dr MJ Khan, Executive Director of the World Agriculture Forum, described the initiative as “timely and strategic,” adding that “this council will act as a bridge, unlocking investments and driving impactful initiatives.”

He said the platform aims to foster collaboration, promote local innovation and catalyse public-private partnerships, with a focus on building resilient and inclusive food systems.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Musa Umar of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security said: 

“Agriculture remains one of the most powerful instruments for national development,” adding that government priorities include value chain development, mechanisation, input access, processing and market linkages.

WAF Nigeria Country Director Alexander Isong said the council will go beyond dialogue to implementation: 

“We are going to be formulating policy, growing projects, implementing projects and funding projects for the growth of agriculture.”

He stressed the need to move from fragmented systems to integrated, market-driven ecosystems, noting that reducing post-harvest losses even by 20% could recover millions of tonnes of food and significantly boost economic returns.

Across both countries, the WAF councils are placing strong emphasis on strengthening value chains, particularly the feed value chain, which underpins livestock productivity and accounts for the largest share of production costs.

By improving feed systems through better inputs, technology and supply chain integration, stakeholders aim to enhance productivity, reduce inefficiencies and support downstream industries such as processing and exports.

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