Mastercard has announced a collaboration with Agriculture Summit Africa 2025, to be hosted by Sterling Bank in Abuja, to empower farmers through technology.

The partnership was announced at a press conference held at the headquarters of Sterling Bank recently.

ASA is a platform for advancing agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems. This year’s summit, themed “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny”, will convene policymakers, agricultural experts, investors and key stakeholders to chart a path towards climate-resilient and inclusive food systems.

Through this collaboration, Mastercard will lead an expert conversation on “Harnessing Digital Tools for an Agricultural Renaissance”, which will explore how digital innovation, data, and financial technology can accelerate Africa’s journey towards inclusive and resilient agriculture.

The conversation will be led by Daniel Huba of Mastercard, as well as other sector leaders, including Vera Iheanacho of Sterling Bank, Tajudeen Yahaya of Extension Africa, and the Chief Executive Officer of Seamless HR, Emmanuel Okeleji.

Commenting on the development, Mastercard’s Country Manager, West Africa, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, said, “Agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy, contributing up to 40 per cent of GDP and employing over 60 per cent of the workforce. That is why we are committed to driving digital inclusion across Africa’s agricultural ecosystem.

“Through solutions such as Community Pass and efforts like the MADE Alliance, we are connecting farmers to markets, financial institutions and service providers, helping them increase productivity and income. Partnering with Agriculture Summit Africa allows us to amplify this impact and accelerate Africa’s journey towards a digitally inclusive and climate-resilient food system.”

ASA 2025 will focus on key themes such as green finance, agritech innovation, youth and women empowerment, and climate-smart agriculture,  all geared towards reclaiming Africa’s food destiny through sustainability.

Commenting on the partnership, Group Head of Agric and Solid Mineral Finance at Sterling Bank, Olushola Obikanye, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Mastercard as a partner for ASA 2025. Their pioneering work has shown how digital technology can transform rural economies, especially for smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of creating an Africa that grows smart, sustainably and for all.”

Community Pass has registered seven million users on the platform. Mastercard asserted that by integrating technology, finance and sustainability, it is helping to build the foundation for a resilient and equitable agricultural future, one where farmers are not only surviving but thriving in a digital economy.

“As Africa stands at a turning point in redefining its food systems, Mastercard’s partnership with ASA 2025 underscores the critical role of collaboration and innovation in shaping a greener, more self-reliant agricultural future for the continent,” a statement from Sterling Bank said.