Nigeria moves to power bioethanol growth by linking 14 million cassava farmers to industry.

Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious agricultural and industrial plan aimed at integrating about 14 million smallholder farmers into the cassava based bioethanol value chain.

The move forms part of a broader effort to industrialise agriculture, strengthen rural livelihoods and cut Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported fuel. Known as the Cassava Bioethanol Value Chain Development Project, the initiative is being driven by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and represents a key step in reshaping the country’s agricultural economy.

A central feature of the programme is the “triple helix” approach, which brings together government institutions, universities and the private sector. This partnership model is designed to speed up the transfer of research, skills and technology to farmers and processors. Through this collaboration, producers will gain access to high yielding and disease resistant cassava varieties, modern farming techniques and improved production systems that support large scale industrial processing. The approach is also expected to attract private investment and strengthen Nigeria’s bioenergy ecosystem.

The project aligns with Nigeria’s National Biofuels Policy (2007), which targets the blending of ethanol with Premium Motor Spirit with the long term goal of achieving a 10 percent ethanol mix. This strategy is expected to stimulate domestic demand for cassava derived bioethanol, reduce fuel imports and preserve foreign exchange. Currently, close to half of Nigeria’s petrol consumption depends on imports, and official estimates suggest the initiative could save more than US$3 trillion, roughly US$4bn, every year.

Beyond fuel, ethanol is widely used across the chemical, pharmaceutical and agri food industries, including in the production of disinfectants, solvents and beverages. This broad demand highlights the strong commercial potential of bioethanol outside the energy sector.

Approved in April 2023, the project is backed by a US$11.9bn government investment running through 2028. A pilot phase includes a 20 hectare biotechnology industrial park where hybrid cassava varieties such as TME 419 will be cultivated. While the opportunities are significant, success will depend on reliable logistics, strong processing infrastructure and a stable regulatory framework that balances industrial demand with cassava’s role as a staple food.

Nigeria depends heavily on imported cloves.

Nigeria is getting ready to introduce its first nationwide commercial clove farming campaign, scheduled to begin during the 2026 rainy season which usually starts in April.

The initiative was announced by Abdullahi Shuaibu, National Coordinator of the National Association of Clove Farmers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria, and represents a bold move to position cloves as a viable commercial crop across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The programme signals a growing commitment to agricultural diversification and long term economic growth.

The pilot phase of the campaign is expected to involve about 74,000 farmers, with at least 2,000 participants drawn from each state and the FCT. Each farmer will cultivate roughly 0.5 hectares of land dedicated to clove farming. Participants will receive improved seeds and essential farm inputs to help ensure healthy crop establishment and improved yields. This structured rollout is designed to build capacity while reducing the risks often associated with introducing a new commercial crop.

At present, Nigeria depends heavily on imported cloves, bringing in an average of 1,184 tonnes annually between 2020 and 2024 at a cost of around US$1million each year. By expanding domestic production, the campaign aims to reduce import dependence while creating opportunities to export surplus cloves and earn foreign exchange.

If successful, the initiative could make Nigeria the second African country after Tanzania, particularly Zanzibar, to produce cloves on a commercial scale. This transition is expected to support job creation, strengthen rural livelihoods and increase income opportunities for farming communities.

Global demand for cloves remains strong, driven by widespread use in food processing, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The global clove market was valued at about US$5.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to exceed US$7bn by 2030, presenting attractive export prospects for Nigeria.

To support farmers, improved clove seedlings sourced from Tanzania are being distributed, alongside training manuals developed with academic partners. Officials believe the campaign could deliver meaningful benefits for rural economies, especially for youth and women. However, its long term success will depend on consistent technical support, effective coordination and the development of strong market linkages at both local and international levels.

Gulfood360 Africa Kenya 2027 Launches in Nairobi to Power Africa’s Global Food Trade.

Gulfood360 Africa Kenya is set to make its debut in Nairobi from 4 to 6 May 2027, marking a major expansion of Gulfood, the world’s most influential food and beverage sourcing platform.

Announced in Dubai in January 2026, the launch confirms Kenya as the official African host of the Gulfood platform and positions the country as a leading gateway into Africa’s fast growing food, agribusiness, logistics and innovation economy.

Developed with the unified support of Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Agriculture and Food Authority and the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology, Gulfood360 Africa Kenya reflects a strategic partnership between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. Anchored in the Kenya UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the initiative is designed to boost trade flows, attract foreign direct investment, strengthen regional value chains and connect Africa more deeply with global food markets.

The platform aligns closely with President William Ruto’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which places agriculture, manufacturing, trade, logistics and technology at the centre of Kenya’s growth strategy. Gulfood360 Africa Kenya will act as a catalyst for value addition, agro industrial development, SME participation and export competitiveness, reinforcing Kenya’s role as Africa’s premier agrifood trade hub.

Kenya’s selection is supported by major investments in infrastructure and logistics, including airport expansion, port modernisation and the development of regional trade corridors. These efforts are complemented by the country’s leadership in clean energy, with more than 90 percent of electricity generated from renewable sources, offering sustainable and cost effective power for agribusiness and manufacturing.

As a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area and a key producer of tea, coffee, horticulture and processed foods, Kenya offers global firms access to a market projected to reach $567.31 billion by 2032. Its reputation as Africa’s Silicon Savannah further strengthens its appeal, showcasing innovation in agritech, artificial intelligence, digital trade and smart logistics.

Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), said, “The launch of Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya signals a decisive step in Kenya’s trade and investment journey. Anchored by the Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and supported by structural reforms, this moment reflects a country mobilising its full value chain for global trade. Kenya is positioning itself as Africa’s gateway connecting farms, factories, and supply corridors to the world.”

Mutahi Kagwe, EGH-, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development added,“Agriculture sits at the heart of Kenya’s economy, contributing over a quarter of our GDP and supporting millions of livelihoods across the country. Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya reflects our commitment to converting this agricultural strength into global opportunity, connecting Kenyan and African producers with the rest of the world.”

Trixie LohMirmand, Global Organiser of Gulfood, said, “Kenya is built for global competitiveness, and Africa is at its inflection point. Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya positions the country as the conduit through which African produce and value flow into international markets. This expansion sends a clear signal that Africa’s food economy is entering a new phase of scale, execution, and competitiveness and Kenya is leading that charge.”

Baya Solara's first commercial strawberry variety. (Image credit: Bayer)

Bayer has officially entered the premium strawberry market with a breakthrough variety that promises to transform how European growers approach soft fruit production.

Baya Solara, launched through the company's renowned De Ruiter brand, represents years of scientific innovation following Bayer's strategic acquisition of NIAB's strawberry breeding programme in 2023.

This June bearing cultivar arrives at a crucial moment for the industry. Global strawberry demand continues outpacing supply throughout the year, whilst growers face mounting pressure from disease threats, labour shortages, and quality expectations from increasingly discerning consumers.

"Our new variety Baya Solara is an exciting June-bearing cultivar and delivers impressive productivity and strong resistance to diseases like Phytophthora cactorum without compromising fruit quality. With this launch, we are targeting Northern Europe's rapidly growing protected cropping sector and offer growers new opportunities," said Swanny Chouteau, Portfolio Lead for the Europe Middle East and Africa region at Bayer's Crop Science division.

The variety tackles one of soft fruit production's most persistent challenges: crown rot caused by Phytophthora cactorum. This fungal disease has devastated countless harvests across Europe, making genetic resistance a genuine breakthrough for sustainable cultivation practices.

Beyond disease protection, Baya Solara delivers remarkable consistency. The fruits maintain impressive uniformity in size whilst resisting post harvest darkening, a critical factor for retail presentation. The flavour profile balances natural sweetness with optimal acidity, creating an eating experience that resonates with modern consumer preferences.

"Baya Solara is a strawberry that offers many benefits. For growers, it means a more productive and reliable harvest. For retailers, it delivers consistent, large, firm fruits with excellent shelf life, reducing waste and ensuring dependable quality. For families, it offers delicious strawberries that stay fresh longer, helping them reduce waste and enjoy every berry," said VK Kishore, Head of Global Product Innovation for Vegetables at Bayer's Crop Science division.

Initial availability covers the UK, Germany, and Benelux markets, targeting the region's expanding protected cropping infrastructure. The variety joins Bayer's growing strawberry portfolio, which includes the popular Malling Ace everbearing variety and the premium Malling Centenary June bearer.

This launch signals Bayer's serious commitment to soft fruit innovation, backed by extensive breeding resources spanning over 20 vegetable crops and thousands of seed selections worldwide.