The UAE’s AI for Development initiative is designed to support Africa’s economic.

Kenya is positioning itself as a potential major beneficiary of the United Arab Emirates’ newly launched US$1bn Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Development initiative, a strategic move that could significantly accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The initiative comes at a crucial moment as Kenya shifts from AI policy formulation to large-scale implementation across key economic and social sectors.

The fund was unveiled at the G20 Summit by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who noted that the programme reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainable growth through global partnerships and innovative financing models targeting emerging economies.

For Nairobi, the timing could not be better. Kenya recently rolled out its National AI Strategy 2025–2030, a roadmap that places strong emphasis on international collaboration to unlock AI-driven growth. The strategy prioritises digital public infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, climate resilience and education, while also aiming to establish Kenya as Africa’s leading hub for AI research, innovation and real-world application.

According to government estimates, fully implementing the strategy will require at least KSh152 billion (approximately US$1.19bn), underlining the need for external funding and strategic partnerships.

Speaking at the launch of the strategy in March, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo said its success would depend on adequate financing and robust regulatory frameworks.

“Kenyan policymakers and technology stakeholders are expected to explore avenues for collaboration as the country seeks to move from AI ambition to measurable impact. If leveraged effectively, the UAE-backed fund could provide Kenya with both capital and strategic partnerships needed to accelerate AI adoption, reinforcing its bid to become a continental leader in responsible and inclusive AI-driven development,” he said.

The UAE’s AI for Development initiative is designed to support Africa’s economic and social progress by strengthening digital infrastructure, modernising government services and boosting productivity. These goals closely align with Kenya’s national development priorities, particularly in agriculture and healthcare, where AI technologies are expected to improve efficiency, service delivery and long-term resilience.

The programme will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) under the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in partnership with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, further highlighting the scale and credibility of the initiative.

Nasarawa launches NASACCO gold rice.

Nasarawa State has officially commenced production of “NASACCO Gold Rice” through the Nasarawa State Agro Commodity Company (NASACCO), a move aimed at strengthening food security and promoting agricultural value addition in the region.

Governor Abdullahi Sule commissioned the initiative during an event in Lafia on Tuesday, emphasising its potential to enhance both state and national food stability.

The initiative is a collaborative effort with Silvex International, a leading rice-processing company in Nigeria. Governor Sule explained that Silvex has sourced rice paddy from state-owned farms located in Jangwa and Agwatashi communities within the Awe and Obi Local Government Areas. The harvested rice will be processed and branded as “NASACCO Gold Rice,” providing a distinctive, high-quality product for consumers.

“This will boost food security, attract investment, and implement strategies for sustainable agriculture,” Governor Sule stated, highlighting the broader economic and agricultural benefits of the programme. He also noted that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope policy on agriculture, which promotes private sector participation, value addition, and inclusive growth.

Governor Sule further revealed that the NASACCO Gold Rice would be sold to the public at a 10 percent discount off the current market price for 50 kilograms, encouraging Nigerians to support the locally produced brand. He described the rice as “one of the best in the market,” urging citizens to patronise the product.

The governor expressed gratitude to Silvex International for partnering with the state to advance the project, noting that such collaborations are central to attracting private sector investment and boosting the local economy.

In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by Ibrahim Alkali, a director in the ministry, commended the initiative for its potential to promote economic growth, food security, and private sector involvement in the agricultural value chain.

The NASACCO Gold Rice project marks a significant milestone for Nasarawa State, positioning it as a model for sustainable rice production, agricultural innovation, and investment-friendly policies in Nigeria’s agri-food sector.

FAO, Lagos boost red meat and coconut investment.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems to drive strategic investment in Nigeria’s red meat and coconut value chains. This collaboration aims to strengthen the state’s agri-food sector, unlock economic opportunities, and create sustainable jobs, particularly for the youth.

During a roundtable meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, Hussein Gadain, FAO’s representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasised the strategic importance of Lagos in advancing Nigeria’s food security agenda. Represented at the meeting by FAO programme officer Tofiq Braimah, he praised the Lagos Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems for demonstrating “bold leadership and unwavering commitment to building a sustainable agri-food system.”

“These value chains include coconut, livestock, and feedlot systems to attract private-sector and multilateral investments,” he said. “By leveraging Lagos’ industrial potential and commercial networks, we aim to unlock new economic opportunities, create decent jobs, and empower the vibrant youth population. This approach positions Lagos to fully exploit AfCFTA opportunities, making it a model for agricultural transformation across Africa.”

Represented by Rasheed Macaulay, director of veterinary services, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems reiterated its readiness to drive investment and scale up initiatives that support sustainable agriculture. Permanent Secretary Mr Audu highlighted that FAO’s collaboration reflects a commitment to move beyond policy dialogue to practical, investment-driven solutions for food systems transformation.

The two-day roundtable focused on validating key proposals under the Lagos State Red Meat Initiative and the Coconut Value Chain Programme. These proposals are informed by comprehensive technical and economic analyses conducted through FAO’s Technical Cooperation Project, which included feasibility studies for a Lagos State Cattle Feedlot Farm Estate, and the FAO–UNIDO-supported Coconut Value Chain Programme.

Both programmes have produced detailed investment notes and financial models aimed at mobilising resources and attracting private-sector participation. By leveraging these insights, Lagos is positioned to enhance livestock productivity, optimise coconut production, and integrate value chains with broader industrial and commercial networks.

The FAO–Lagos partnership marks a significant step in sustainable agricultural development, positioning the state as a regional leader in food systems transformation, value chain modernisation, and youth empowerment, while fostering resilience and competitiveness within Africa’s evolving agri-food landscape.

Bühler's African Milling School. (Image credit: Bühler)

Swiss technology group Bühler has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its African Milling School (AMS) in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a major milestone in the development of skilled professionals for Africa’s food and feed industries.

The anniversary event, brought together more than 100 guests, including customers, alumni and industry partners, while also celebrating the graduation of 15 students from seven countries.

Since opening its doors in 2015, the African Milling School has trained more than 1,600 millers from over 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East and India. At a time when food systems face mounting pressure from climate change, supply chain disruptions and labour shortages, the role of skilled millers has become increasingly critical in safeguarding productivity, resilience and food security.

AMS was Bühler’s first dedicated training mill on the African continent, created in response to strong customer demand for qualified milling professionals. Nairobi was selected as a strategic location due to its accessibility, modern infrastructure and regional connectivity. Following four years of planning and construction and an investment of approximately CHF 5 million, Bühler established a state-of-the-art training centre that combines advanced facilities, practical learning and expert instruction.

The school’s education model is based on the Swiss dual-training system. Students spend five months working in their home countries and one intensive month at AMS, completing four modules over two years. Classroom-based learning in the mornings is paired with hands-on practical training in the afternoons, ensuring immediate application in real-world milling operations.

“When we started the African Milling School, our focus was on education that truly makes a difference: training millers to optimize productivity and maximize yield,” says Martin Schlauri, the first Head of African Milling School. “Skilled operators are the backbone of efficient plants, and through proper education, they can deliver tangible results for their companies and the communities they serve.”

Over the past decade, AMS has expanded well beyond traditional flour milling. Its curriculum now includes feed milling, coffee processing, grain handling, baking technology and plant-based proteins. Courses are delivered through on-site, online and hybrid formats, making learning more flexible and accessible.

Alumni consistently highlight the school’s impact. “The Apprentice Miller Program really opened my eyes to the full picture of the flour milling industry – from technology to grain science,” says Sulaiman Al Saqri of Oman Flour Mills. “It helped me improve how I operate and troubleshoot in the plant every day.”

Industry leaders echo this view. “The African Milling School is more than a training center – it’s an engine for industry excellence,” says Sharuq Sokwalla, Managing Director of Grain Industries Limited in Kenya.

For Bühler, the long-term vision is clear. “The African Milling School is more than an educational institution – it is a catalyst for transformation,” says Dario Grossmann, Head of Bühler’s Milling Academy. Through its growing global education network, Bühler continues to equip the next generation of milling professionals with the skills needed to shape the future of food.