Abeokuta, Nigeria — September 27, 2024

Agricultural expert and food security advocate Paschal Nnaemeka has welcomed the new partnership between Nigeria and Mastercard, calling it a major breakthrough for farmers across Africa. The initiative, which aims to support one million farmers in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, focuses on improving their access to financial services and helping them increase their crop yields.

Nnaemeka, known for his hands-on work in agriculture, believes this partnership could transform the lives of smallholder farmers who have struggled for years with limited access to the tools they need to thrive.

“This partnership is a huge deal,” Nnaemeka said in a recent interview. “It’s going to give farmers the financial support and digital tools they need to really scale up their production. Imagine a farmer in a remote village being able to sell their produce and get paid instantly, this is the kind of change we need.”

Nnaemeka was particularly excited about the introduction of contactless payment systems, which would allow farmers to sell their products more efficiently and securely. “Farmers will now be able to access loans, sell faster, and receive their payments without delays. It’s a complete shift from the traditional struggles they’ve faced in the past.”

Beyond the tech upgrades, Nnaemeka highlighted the importance of financial inclusion for boosting food production. “Farmers who can access credit and insurance have the confidence to invest in better seeds, equipment, and farming techniques. This leads to bigger yields and more food for everyone.”

While the initiative promises big improvements, Nnaemeka acknowledged that the transition won’t be easy for every farmer. “The challenge will be making sure that farmers, especially those in rural areas, understand and trust these new systems. But Mastercard’s plan to run seminars is a good step in making this technology more accessible.”

He also stressed that this initiative could become a blueprint for other countries to follow, showing that with the right support, African farmers can play a central role in feeding the continent and beyond.

“This isn’t just about helping a few farmers; it’s about reshaping how we approach agriculture across Africa. If done right, this partnership could have a huge impact on food security for years to come,” Nnaemeka concluded.

For Nnaemeka, this partnership marks a positive step toward a future where African farmers are not only feeding their communities but contributing massively to global food security.