Innovation is key to Africa’s food security challenges

The Permanent Representative of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, Ambassador Matthew Wilson, has described innovation as a vital response to the food security challenges faced by developing world countries.

He said this on Friday at Divasity’s unveiling of its new CEO, Thokozile James, and the launch of the Divasity-WTO Funding and Market Readiness Programme.

Divasity is a business development startup with a vision to empower entrepreneurs with access to capital, resources and a global marketplace.

The event had an audience of industry leaders, stakeholders and esteemed guests.

In his keynote speech, Wilson stated: “The future is the youth. The future is innovation. The future is diversity. The future is South-South cooperation, and the future is small businesses.”

Highlighting the importance of the Divasity-WTO Funding and Market Readiness Programme, Wilson said: “This project was submitted to the 2023 ICC, ITC, WTO, MSME, group of small business champions. And when it was assessed, the project immediately caught the attention of the assessment team with its energy and ambition, which now that I have met the full team reflects the energy and ambition that you have.”

Wilson emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship, especially in the agricultural sector.

“Food security, as you know, is a real and urgent problem, especially in developing countries. We have seen the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions, arising from the pandemic, climate change and geopolitics. And we must innovate with every actor, large or small, when it comes to food production.”

“We all know we can’t keep doing things the same way, especially in agribusiness. The climate crisis requires us to operate differently. So support for entrepreneurship, support for entrepreneurs, will be a fundamental channel for building and scaling solutions.

“This sector is ripe for technological innovation if the tools and insight are there, and this is what the Divasity project provides.

A statement on Saturday by Divasity co-founder Chigozie Ubanagu noted that other dignitaries, from their wealth of knowledge and expertise, also shared inspiring stories of agricultural development initiatives and crucial global insights.

“The launch of the Divasity-WTO Funding and Market Readiness Program heralded a landmark initiative aimed at empowering smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

“With a focus on inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability, the program promises to revolutionize the agricultural sector, driving positive change and economic empowerment for all,” the statement said.

After the event, Divasity founder Adeola Adebayo expressed his gratitude and pride for the success of the evening.

“Tonight was more than just a party; it was a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the limitless potential of those who dare to dream.

“With Thokozile Nkechi at the helm and our new program ready to make waves, the future has never looked brighter for Divasity,” he noted.