2025 Agric Summit Africa: Sterling Bank Rallies Investors, Policymakers For Continent’s Food Security

Sterling Bank is bringing together policymakers, investors, and agribusiness leaders from across the continent for the 2025 edition of Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA), as part of its continuing effort to unlock sustainable financing and strengthen Africa’s food security.

The summit, now in its eighth year, will take place on November 6 and 7 at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, under the theme “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny.” It will convene stakeholders to explore financing pathways and strategies that can accelerate agricultural transformation across Africa.

Abubakar Suleiman, managing director and chief executive officer of Sterling Bank, said the initiative reflects the bank’s belief that Africa’s food future will be secured through deliberate and collective action rather than chance. “At Sterling, we believe Africa’s food future will be secured not by chance but by deliberate, collective effort,” he said at a press conference announcing the event, adding that “Our commitment is rooted in the conviction that agriculture is central to Africa’s transformation — socially, economically, and environmentally.”

He added that ASA has become an essential platform for rethinking the continent’s approach to food systems, financing, and sustainability.

The 2025 edition will feature a mix of keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and an Investment Deal Room aimed at connecting agribusiness ventures with investors. Delegates from more than 30 African countries are expected to attend.

Olushola Obikanye, group head of agric finance and solid minerals at Sterling Bank, described the summit as a collaborative space for governments, financiers, innovators, and farmers to co-create practical solutions. “ASA provides a platform where stakeholders can engage meaningfully to design solutions that strengthen agricultural value chains, unlock financing, and foster inclusion,” he said.

The summit is being co-convened with Sunbeth Global Concepts, a global agro-commodities sourcing and trading company and other partners.

Eyitemi Adebowale, head of corporate affairs and communications at Sunbeth, said the partnership underscores the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices across Africa.

Sterling Bank, a member of Sterling Financial Holdings Group, has identified agriculture as one of its five key pillars under its HEART strategy, which also focuses on health, education, renewable energy, and transportation. 

Through this initiative, the bank aims to play a catalytic role in positioning agriculture not just as a means of sustenance, but as a driver of inclusive growth across the continent.