AfDB Seeks Policy Reforms To Close Wheat Import Gap

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has called for urgent policy reforms to address the growing dependence on wheat imports in West and Central Africa.

The call was necessitated by the need to close the gap between wheat demand and supply with Nigeria alone accounting for over 6 million metric tonnes importation annually while producing only 200,000 metric tonnes.

Speaking at the ongoing West and Central Africa Wheat Summit, themed: “Prioritising Policy, Innovative Technologies and Investments in Wheat Transformation towards Sustainable Food Security and Economy,” President of AfDB, Dr Akinkunmi Adesina stated that the region remains vulnerable due to its reliance on wheat imports, which account for over 80% of its total wheat consumption.

Represented by Dr Abdul Kamara, the director-general of AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, Adesina highlighted the rapid rise in wheat demand across the continent, driven mostly by population growth, urbanisation and changing dietary preferences.

With wheat consumption skyrocketing from 25 million metric tonnes two decades ago to over 75 million metric tonnes within the region, the AfDB boss warned that the region’s heavy import reliance poses a threat to food security and economic stability.

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He emphasised that transformative policy reforms, coupled with investments in innovative agricultural technologies could help in closing this widening gap.

Citing examples from Ethiopia and Sudan, Adesina noted that countries prioritising wheat production through technology adoption and favourable policy frameworks have made significant strides towards self-sufficiency.

According to him, Ethiopia has achieved 100% wheat self-sufficiency, while Sudan has increased its self-sufficiency rate from 22% to 55% in just four years.

Adesina further emphasised that similar progress could be achieved in West and Central Africa through collaboration between governments, the private sector, and research institutions.

He said, “Transforming West and Central Africa’s wheat sector offers immense potential for sustainable food security and economic growth, this will require appropriate policies, innovative technologies, and strategic investments.

“The use of technology, supported by the right policy environment and investment, no doubt has transformed agriculture productivity in many countries across the globe, ensuring food security for their populations”.

Earlier, the Regional Coordinator of West and Central Africa Wheat Network (WECAWheat), Prof Benjamin Ubi, stressed the need for sustained investments and political will to achieve the region’s wheat transformation goals.

“We must prioritise wheat in our national and regional agendas, commit resources to policy reforms, and foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among all stakeholders”, Ubi said.

According to him, the summit was expected to draw outcomes, including commitments to mobilise funding, enhance infrastructure and improve market access for wheat farmers.

He encouraged governments, private sector players, and development organisations to invest in research, extension services, and capacity building across the wheat value chain.