End of Summit Communiqué Cater and Merger German Agribusiness and AgriTech Summit 2024

November 11–16, Hamburg, German

The Cater and Merger German Agribusiness and AgriTech Summit 2024, held in Hamburg, Germany, from November 11 to 16, was a landmark event that brought together diverse stakeholders from public and private sectors to foster partnerships and explore innovative solutions in agribusiness and agri-tech. The summit commenced with a day-long opening conference at the Barcelo Hotel in Hamburg. A 19-member Nigerian delegation led by Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., the immediate past Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation and current Minister of State for Works, played a pivotal role in the discussions. The delegation included four directors from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation: Zaccheaus Olutade Akinjogbin (Director of Public-Private Partnership), Oduh Christy Omeno (Director, River Basin Operation and Inspectorate), Oyakhirome Florence Iwalanwo (Director, DDI & D), and representatives from three River Basin Authorities: Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, FNSE (Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare (Niger Delta Basin Development Authority), and Aliyu Ma’amun Da’u (Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority). Other participants included Lanre Babalola and Victor Agina from the Bank of Industry, Adesuyi Victoria Abike and Adesuyi Olaniyi George from Agro-Allied Commodities Cooperative Nigeria Ltd., and a representative from Agro-Allied Commodities Services Nigeria.

The conference featured enlightening presentations by renowned experts, including Mr. Jan-Hendrik Langeloh of Milchhof Reitbrook GbR, Germany; Prof. Oladokun Sulaiman Olanrewaju of SeaNexus Germany; Mr. Jacques Nsengiyumva of CS-Njema, Rwanda; and Dr. Beatrice Bischof, PhD, and Dr. Ikechi Agbugba, PhD, both delivering their talks via video presentation. The keynote address was delivered by HRH Prof. Mrs. Victoria Adesuyi, Chairman/MD of Agro-Allied Commodities Cooperative Nigeria Ltd. Topics of discussion included livestock farming, seaweed and seafood farming, water sanitation, and organic fertilizer production using human waste. These sessions fostered productive engagements and laid the foundation for future collaborations. Delegates explored how to incorporate these innovative practices to align with Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's "Hope Agenda."

On Day 2, the delegation visited Milchhof Reitbrook, a leading livestock and dairy farm in Germany. Hon. Bello Goronyo emphasized the importance of knowledge transfer, technical cooperation, and improved cattle management practices to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Discussions with the farm owner, Mr. Jan-Hendrik Langeloh, focused on innovative dairy production techniques and sustainable cattle management practices. Day 3 saw the delegation visit Herzapfelhof Lühs, a family-owned apple farm in Jork, Germany, where Rolf Lühs shared insights on the cultivation of over 250 varieties of apples using eco-friendly farming techniques. Delegates explored value chain development and the critical role of social impact in agribusiness. These visits underscored the potential for future collaborations in technology and expertise exchange, which align with Nigeria's agricultural goals.

Day 4 offered a cultural highlight as delegates toured the historic and vibrant city of Hamburg, providing a perfect blend of professional engagement and cultural enrichment. The summit concluded with reflections on its achievements, emphasizing the importance of practical learning, professional networking, and strengthening international partnerships. The organizing committee, expressing heartfelt gratitude to participants, farm owners, and guest speakers, reiterated their commitment to advancing agribusiness innovation. Key takeaways included ongoing discussions for future collaborations with German farms, focusing on technology transfer and expertise development. Hon. Bello Goronyo reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable agriculture transformation and food security, praising the contributions of all participants. A toast was made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, celebrating his vision for eradicating food poverty and fostering agricultural prosperity in Nigeria. The Participants of the Cater and Merger German Agribusiness and AgriTech Summit 2024 included a diverse delegation from Nigeria, led by Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., the Honorable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, along with key officials from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation such as Zaccheaus Olutade Akinjogbin (Director, Public-Private Partnership), Oduh Christy Omeno (Director, River Basin Operation and Inspectorate), and Oyakhirome Florence Iwalanwo (Director, DDI & D). Representing Agro-Allied Commodities Cooperative Nigeria Ltd. were Adesuyi Victoria Abike (Chairman/Managing Director) and Adesuyi Olaniyi George (National Secretary). From the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, attendees included Aliyu Ma’amun Da’u (Managing Director/CEO), Hamza Ibrahim Ahmed, Sa’adu Adamu Ajingi, and Jibril Mustapha (Deputy Directors, Planning and Design). Participants from the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority included Prince Ebitimi Amgbare (Managing Director/CEO) and Dr. Roland Gbarabe (Deputy Director). The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority was represented by Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, FNSE (Managing Director/CEO), Mr. Adu Babatunde (Executive Director, Finance/Administration), Mr. Alamu Noah Arinola (Executive Director, Agricultural Services), and Engr. Olumide Kumolu, FNSE (Special Adviser, Technical). Representing the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority was Engr. Caleb T. Tyowuah (Director). From the Bank of Industry, attendees included Lanre Babalola and Victor Agina. The summit also featured renowned guest speakers and experts, including Mr. Jan-Hendrik Langeloh (Milchhof Reitbrook GbR, Germany), Prof. Oladokun Sulaiman Olanrewaju (SeaNexus, Germany), Mr. Jacques Nsengiyumva (CS-Njema, Rwanda), Dr. Beatrice Bischof, PhD (via video presentation), and Dr. Ikechi Agbugba, PhD (via video presentation). This esteemed group collectively contributed to the success of the summit, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations in agribusiness and agri-tech.