By Gabriel Ameh Abuja November 4, 2025
Nigeria is hosting the G20 Africa Outreach Meeting on Industrialization and Agriculture in Abuja, under the auspices of the G20 South Africa Presidency 2025.
The high-level forum brings together Ministers, Ambassadors, Development Partners, and Policy Experts from across Africa and the G20 to advance discussions on inclusive growth, sustainable industrialization, and agricultural transformation across the continent.
According to a statement released on Monday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event is co-chaired by Ambassador Bukar Hamman, Nigeria’s G20 Sherpa, and Mr. Ben Joubert, Acting Chief Director for Regional Organizations at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
The meeting serves as a platform to align Africa’s agro-industrial priorities with global frameworks under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the G20 Africa Partnership.
Opening Session: Harnessing Agriculture for Industrial Growth
During the opening session, H.E. Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, presented Nigeria’s national initiatives linking agricultural productivity and food systems with agro-processing industries under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Similarly, Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted how Nigeria’s agro-industrial policy aligns with the broader African regional transformation agenda and AfCFTA priorities.
Opening statements were also delivered by Mr. Ben Joubert, Ambassador Bukar Hamman, H.E. Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, Dean of the Africa Group in Abuja and High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, and Ambassador Jose Bamoquina Zau, representative of the African Union Chair.
Speakers collectively emphasized the need for deeper partnerships to drive sustainable industrialization, food security, and economic resilience across Africa.
Plenary Discussions: Advancing Africa’s Industrial Competitiveness
The first plenary session featured Ms. S. Shange-Buthane of the G20 Presidency, who presented the latest outcomes from the G20 Agriculture Working Group and the Task Force on Food Security.
Ms. Varsha Redkar, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, discussed strategies for bridging farm productivity and industrial competitiveness, while Ambassador Philbert Johnson, UNIDO’s Regional Director for West Africa, described Africa’s industrialization as a “global public good” essential for shared prosperity.
Contributors from G20 member states, international organizations, regional economic blocs, and civil society reaffirmed their commitment to advancing agricultural transformation and strengthening industrial value chains across the continent.
Closing Session: Renewed Commitment to Action
At the close of the meeting, Ambassador Bukar Hamman and Mr. Ben Joubert presented the Chair’s Summary, capturing key deliberations and action points aimed at enhancing Africa’s participation in global industrial and food systems.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Professor Bobby Moroe, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, who commended Nigeria’s leadership and hospitality in hosting the landmark event.
The meeting concluded with a dinner reception at the Congress Hall, Abuja symbolizing renewed solidarity and shared ambition between Africa and the G20 for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global economy.
