By Mary Izuaka

 

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on Tuesday announced the launch of the maiden edition of the Agricultural Mechanisation for Export-Quality Products in Africa, (AGROMEQA EXPO 2026).

The ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday described it as a “landmark initiative” to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural sector for greater productivity, value addition, and global export competitiveness.

Mr Obegolu, represented by Aliyu Idi Hong, the ACCI 2nd deputy president, said the Expo is jointly organised by the Chamber, the Agricultural Trade Group and JMT Plus Farms and Agro-Allied.

He noted that the two-day event is scheduled for June 10–11, 2026, at the Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Trade and Convention Centre, ACCI Complex, Km 8, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway, Airport Road, Abuja.

“The Expo will convene under the theme: “Technology and Investment for Agro-Export.” This event is envisioned as a premier continental platform to promote agricultural mechanisation, strengthen export-quality production systems, and attract sustainable investment opportunities across the agribusiness value chain.

“Through this initiative, we reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing Nigeria’s national priorities on food security, economic diversification, and export-led growth,” Mr Obegolu said.

High-level participation

He said a major highlight of the event will be the official declaration by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima.

In addition, he said the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jani Ibrahim, will deliver the keynote address on “Agricultural Export and the Role of Private Capital in Its Value Chain.”

“The Expo will bring together a distinguished mix of stakeholders, including: policymakers and government representatives, agribusiness investors and industry leaders, agricultural machinery manufacturers and technology providers.

“Research institutions, academia, and farmers’ associations and development partners, financial institutions, and international organisations,” he said.

Key features of the Expo

He added that the Expo will feature exhibitions of advanced agricultural technologies, including mechanised equipment, precision farming tools, irrigation systems, agro-processing innovations, and climate-smart solutions.

It will also host high-level plenary sessions, technical discussions, interactive workshops, and B2B engagements designed to foster synergy, mobilise capital, and promote investment partnerships and technology transfer.

Beyond showcasing innovation, he noted that the Expo will serve as a strategic investment marketplace, connecting local producers, agritech developers, and agribusinesses with investors seeking viable projects in mechanisation, processing, logistics, and export operations.

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“These opportunities will align with Nigeria’s drive to expand private-sector participation and strengthen linkages to international markets. A special live demonstration arena will showcase cutting-edge farming technologies, while a dedicated agro-processing and packaging platform will spotlight opportunities for local value addition.

“To nurture the next generation of agricultural innovators, we will also host a Schools’ Agro Exhibition and Competition,” he said.

He said by deepening mechanisation, innovation, and strategic investment, “we aim to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, creating new jobs, strengthening rural economies, and enhancing competitiveness in global export markets.

“We are confident that the Expo will catalyse investment inflows, technology-transfer opportunities, and strategic collaborations that will yield sustainable economic value and contribute to long-term sectoral transformation.”

Call for collaboration

Mr Obegolu called on relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), private sector operators, development partners, and the international community to actively engage with the event, noting that “collaboration and capital mobilisation remain essential to achieving sustainable agricultural transformation and positioning Nigeria as a key player in agro-export across Africa.”