‘Africa Must Shape Global Food Systems’ — Abdul Samad Rabiu Speaks As BUA Takes Center Stage At Paris Global Agriculture Summit

‘Nigeria’s growing ambition to shape global food systems took centre stage in Paris as BUA Group emerged as a premium sponsor at the 62nd edition of the Paris International Agricultural Show, reinforcing its strategic push to deepen international partnerships and strengthen Africa’s role in global food production.

The event, widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential agricultural gatherings, has convened policymakers, agribusiness leaders, investors, and technology providers from across continents at Porte de Versailles from February 21 to March 1, 2026.

Against this backdrop, BUA’s presence signalled more than brand visibility — it underscored a deliberate expansion strategy anchored on scale, resilience, and export competitiveness.

Speaking on the Group’s participation, its Executive Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said the company’s engagement reflects a broader continental aspiration. “Our presence at the Paris International Agricultural Show reflects our belief that Africa must be an active participant in shaping the future of global food systems,” he said.

And, added “We have invested significantly in local production capacity because we understand that food security, industrial growth, and economic resilience are interconnected. Platforms like this allow us to build partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness and expand our reach beyond our borders.”

Rabiu’s remarks come at a time when African economies are intensifying efforts to reduce food imports, manage foreign exchange pressures, and strengthen domestic agro-processing.

Analysts note that large-scale industrial players with integrated value chains are increasingly pivotal to achieving food security while unlocking export potential under regional trade frameworks.

BUA’s food subsidiary, BUA Foods, used the platform to showcase its portfolio spanning flour, pasta, spaghetti, sugar, and rice — staple categories that dominate household consumption across Nigeria and neighbouring markets.

Representing the Executive Chairman at the Nigeria Pavilion, Managing Director Abioye Ayodele engaged stakeholders and industry partners, highlighting the operational depth behind the company’s branded consumer products.

“BUA Foods has built scale across key staple categories that are central to household consumption,” Ayodele said, providing deeper insights with “Our participation at this Show allows us to demonstrate the quality, consistency, and operational strength behind our products. We are engaging global stakeholders with a clear message that Nigerian manufacturing can meet international standards while serving both domestic and regional markets efficiently.”

Industry observers at the event noted that beyond product exhibition, the Show offers strategic opportunities for trade discussions, technology transfer, and institutional collaboration — elements considered critical for countries seeking to modernise agricultural value chains.

For Nigeria, whose food import bill remains significant despite vast arable land, the visibility of large domestic processors at global forums signals a shift toward value-added production and export-oriented growth.

BUA Group’s participation also aligns with a long-term corporate strategy centred on scaling domestic production capacity while building resilient institutions capable of competing globally.

By anchoring its investments in large-scale processing and supply chain integration, the company is positioning itself not only as a national market leader but as a continental player in food manufacturing.

As conversations at the Paris gathering continue to shape global discourse on sustainable agriculture and food security, BUA’s leadership maintains that Africa must move from being largely a consumer market to becoming a decisive contributor to global supply chains.

“Food security is not just about availability; it is about building systems that endure,” the BUA Chairman emphasised, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural competitiveness on the world stage.