Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, are billed to headline the AgriConnect Summit 2025 meant to empower Africa’s next generation of agripreneurs.
According to a statement from the organisers, Lorien Works, the summit, scheduled to be held in Lagos on May 30, 2025, will focus on youth-driven solutions to food insecurity and agricultural transformation under the theme ‘Bridging the Generational Divide: Tactics and Strategies for Building Future Agripreneurs’.
Organisers lauded the second edition of the summit, stating that it will “bring together leaders, visionaries, and innovators across the African agricultural ecosystem” to foster practical strategies that engage young people in agribusiness.
“The event will be chaired by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, a lifelong advocate for agricultural transformation and food sovereignty,” according to the organisers.
The organisers disclosed that Adesina will deliver the keynote address, drawing on his experience in implementing youth-focused agricultural policies across Africa.
Also expected are the Chinese Consul General, Yan Yuqing; the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot; and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Lorien Works announced it will hold a free two-day workshop and training programme from May 28 to 29, ahead of the main summit to deepen youth participation.
It added that the initiative will cater to aspiring agripreneurs with sessions on agribusiness finance, branding, market access, agri-tech innovation, and public sector opportunities.
“Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their agribusiness ideas to a panel of industry leaders for a chance to win grants and cash prizes of up to $5,000, along with mentorship opportunities,” the organisers revealed.
The organisers also touted a special AgriTech Hackathon to run alongside the workshop, bringing together tech talents to develop digital solutions for agricultural challenges. Winning projects will be recognised at the summit.
Managing Partner at Lorien Works and CEO of Siella Red Media & Tech, Dr Toyosi Obasanjo, who is co-organising the event with Founding Partner Temire Bob-Egbe, described the platform as designed to unite generations, sectors, and skillsets to reimagine the continent’s agricultural future.
“Innovation rarely happens in isolation,” Dr Obasanjo said. “Our goal is to connect people, ideas, and industries to tackle agriculture’s biggest challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities.”
Bob-Egbe added, “We’re creating a space where future agripreneurs are not only inspired but supported through access to funding, mentorship, and a vibrant community.”
