Enugu State has joined stakeholders from across Africa at the 9th African Conference on Animal Agriculture, currently holding in Abuja under the theme, *“Repositioning Animal Agriculture for Africa’s Food Security and Global Competitiveness.”*
The four-day conference, which runs from August 10 to 13, has brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, investors and other key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for transforming Africa’s animal agriculture sector and strengthening its contribution to food security and economic development.
Representing Enugu State at the conference is the State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES), *Dr. Ifeyinwa Elizabeth Nnajieze*, who is showcasing the state’s vast natural resources, agricultural potential and emerging investment opportunities in livestock and animal production.
Dr. Nnajieze is also highlighting Enugu State as a strategic destination for agribusiness investments, leveraging its favourable climate, vast arable land, growing infrastructure and supportive policy environment.
According to her, Enugu possesses the critical resources required to develop a competitive and sustainable animal agriculture sector, particularly with the strong commitment of *Governor Peter Mbah* to transforming agriculture and expanding opportunities for private-sector participation.
> “Enugu is endowed with the resources needed to grow a competitive animal agriculture sector. With the strong backing of His Excellency, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, the state is ready to showcase opportunities for value-chain development, public-private partnerships and technology-driven production that can contribute significantly to state and national food security.”
The conference is providing a platform for participants to explore innovative policy frameworks, technology adoption, value-chain development, financing mechanisms and cross-border trade opportunities capable of repositioning animal agriculture as a major driver of Africa’s economic growth.
Discussions at the conference are expected to focus on emerging technologies, improved production systems, investment opportunities, market access and strategies for enhancing the productivity and resilience of both smallholder and commercial livestock producers.
The programme features expert panel sessions, technical presentations, investor roundtables and field demonstrations designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, partnerships and investment across the continent.
Enugu State’s participation is expected to further position the state on the regional and international agricultural investment map, while providing an opportunity to attract strategic partnerships, technical support and private capital into its livestock and broader agricultural value chains.
The conference is expected to culminate in new partnerships and investment commitments that could drive increased productivity, create jobs, strengthen food systems and enhance the competitiveness of Africa’s animal agriculture sector.
