Nigeria is strengthening its domestic production base through land expansion and fresh investment under the second phase of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

Nigeria is steadily expanding sugarcane cultivation as part of a broader strategy to reduce its heavy reliance on imported sugar, according to the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service.

The move comes at a time when global sugar production continues to rise, intensifying competition in international markets.

USDA projections estimate that global sugar output will reach about 189.32 million tonnes in the 2025–2026 season, up from 180.75 million tonnes in 2024–2025, representing an increase of nearly five per cent. Against this backdrop, Nigeria is strengthening its domestic production base through land expansion and fresh investment under the second phase of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

NSDC data show that Nigeria’s harvested sugarcane area expanded from around 75,000 hectares in 2020 to approximately 100,000 hectares by 2025. Over the same period, raw cane output rose sharply from about 1.53 million tonnes to an estimated 3.33 million tonnes. This growth reflects renewed interest from both government and private investors, even as processing capacity remains a key constraint.

Officials at the council described the expansion as a structural shift in the geography of sugar production, driven largely by NSMP Phase Two. The programme targets domestic sugar output of two million tonnes annually by 2033 and is backed by projected investments of about 3.5 billion dollars across farms, mills and supporting infrastructure. Beyond sugar, the plan is designed to support ethanol production, electricity generation, job creation and long-term private sector participation.

At the launch of the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme, NSDC Executive Secretary and Chief Executive, Kamar Bakrin, said the initiative would be central to scaling up local cultivation, reducing import dependence and promoting inclusive growth by linking smallholder farmers to major processors. He emphasised the importance of rural participation in strengthening supply chains.

Further details from the Head of Outgrower Management, Mrs Lade Offurum, revealed that the programme will involve large-scale agribusiness operators, organised cooperatives and clusters of individual farmers. About 150,000 hectares nationwide have been identified for outgrower development to support sugar, ethanol, power and animal feed production.

Several states are emerging as hubs for sugar investment, including Niger, Kwara, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Oyo. Despite rising cane output, industrial sugar production remains modest, with over 95 per cent of Nigeria’s sugar needs still met through imports. Analysts say the success of NSMP Phase Two will be critical to narrowing this gap and reducing exposure to global price volatility.

The development signals a major shift in the country’s agricultural trade policy.

Kenya has officially liberalised its sugar market following the expiry of the COMESA Sugar Safeguard on November 30, 2025, marking the end of 24 years of restricted imports and tariff protection for local sugar producers.

The development signals a major shift in the country’s agricultural trade policy and introduces a new era of regional competition within the sugar industry.

With the safeguard lifted, sugar imports from COMESA member states can now enter Kenya duty-free, exposing domestic millers to heightened competition at a time when the country continues to face a structural production shortfall. Kenya’s annual sugar consumption is estimated at approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes, while domestic production has increased to 815,454 metric tonnes. This leaves a persistent supply gap of close to 300,000 metric tonnes, which will continue to be filled through imports.

Recent industry data indicates notable progress in local production capacity. Sugarcane acreage has expanded by 19.4 per cent to 289,631 hectares, contributing to a 76 per cent increase in output since 2022. Despite these gains, several sugar mills are still undergoing rehabilitation and capacity upgrades following the leasing of previously state-owned factories to private investors, limiting short-term competitiveness.

The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has confirmed that sugar imports will be sourced from both COMESA and non-COMESA markets to ensure price stability and adequate supply. The Board cited inconsistent surplus availability within the regional bloc as a key reason for maintaining diversified sourcing options.

Market analysts project that the end of the safeguard will exert downward pressure on domestic sugar prices, benefiting consumers but intensifying operational and pricing pressures on local millers who are yet to fully optimise efficiency and scale. The open market environment is expected to reward producers with lower production costs and stronger supply chains.

The sector also faces emerging climate-related risks. Forecast dry spells could negatively affect sugarcane yields in the short term, potentially widening the existing supply deficit and increasing reliance on imports.

Kenya initially sought the COMESA safeguard in 2001 under the COMESA Free Trade Area to allow time for critical sector reforms. The protection was extended eight times, with progress assessed against agreed performance benchmarks by the COMESA Council of Ministers. Regulators have assured stakeholders that import monitoring and market coordination will continue as the industry adapts to a fully liberalised regional sugar trade framework.

Croptimus has attracted fresh investment from Venture X.

Egyptian agritech startup Croptimus has attracted fresh investment from Venture X, underscoring growing momentum behind climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems across the Middle East and Africa.

While the value of the deal remains undisclosed, the funding highlights sustained investor appetite for technologies that tackle food security, water scarcity and agricultural waste.

Established in 2021 by Ahmed Hassanein and Abdelrahman AlAtrash, Croptimus specialises in converting agricultural and food waste into high-value bio-products for farms and agribusinesses. Its portfolio includes biochar, bio-oil and activated oil, solutions designed to improve soil health, cut water consumption and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers. By serving commercial players across the agricultural supply chain, the company has positioned itself at the centre of the region’s fast-evolving agritech ecosystem.

The new capital will support Croptimus’ plans to scale its proprietary technology and expand into additional regional and international markets. The startup is an alumnus of the Harvest Accelerator, a programme focused on advancing agricultural innovation and resilient food systems, which has helped move its solutions from pilot phase to commercial deployment.

Venture X said the investment reflects rising interest in agriculture, food security, and resource efficiency as climate pressure grows across emerging markets. Investors are increasingly prioritising waste-to-value and emissions-reduction models that also enhance farm productivity and profitability.

Farah Al-Nahhas said the deal brings a new investor group into the agritech space and could encourage more angel funding for early-stage startups. Hassanein said the partnership supports Croptimus' next phase of growth and broader deployment of its technology.

The deal comes as agritech funding across the Middle East and Africa continues to rise, driven by population growth, limited arable land and rising input costs. Egypt has emerged as a strategic base for agritech startups thanks to its large-scale farming sector, export-oriented agriculture and strong industrial infrastructure. With capital markets still cautious, investors are favouring startups like Croptimus that demonstrate clear use cases, measurable cost savings and scalable business-to-business models aligned with global sustainability goals.

Taiwan and Somaliland boost agricultural cooperation. (Image credit: @Taiwan_SLD)

In a significant move to bolster agricultural cooperation, Taiwan and Somaliland have signed an Agricultural Implementing Arrangement for the period 2026–2030.

The agreement, which was signed by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Allen Lou, and Somaliland’s Agriculture Minister Mohamoud Ige Yusuf, marks a critical step forward in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing agricultural initiatives in the region.

The new agreement builds on existing partnerships and significantly expands the scope of agricultural development projects, with increased financial support. It aligns closely with Somaliland’s Vision 2030, National Development Plan III, and National Seed Development Policy, while also contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger.

One of the core focuses of this collaboration is the enhancement of Somaliland’s seed system, a key pillar of the country’s food security strategy. As part of the initiative, a new demonstration farm will be established, which will act as a central hub for agricultural development. This farm aims to drive food security, improve resilience to climate change, and support the broader transformation of the agricultural sector in Somaliland.

Ambassador Lou said, “Food is our common language, and building climate resilience is our common goal. Let’s work together to promote the Right to Food for a better life and a better future in Somaliland and throughout the Horn of Africa.”

The signing of this agreement highlights Taiwan’s long-term commitment to supporting Somaliland’s sustainable development, particularly in agriculture. Through this collaboration, the two nations aim to enhance local food systems, strengthen farmers' resilience, and improve agricultural practices in the face of climate change.

This partnership not only helps ensure food security in Somaliland but also contributes to regional stability by fostering self-reliance and sustainable agricultural growth across the Horn of Africa.