Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, emphasized the need for partnership between African governments and the private sector to revitalize rural economies at the 49th IFAD Governing Council meeting in Rome. He highlighted three key areas essential for making agriculture a viable career for the continent's youth: access to electricity, blended finance solutions, and business education. Elumelu's remarks were made during a panel discussion attended by 500 global leaders, including ministers, UN officials, and development experts, underlining the international interest in enhancing agricultural productivity in Africa.

During the panel, Elumelu stressed the importance of cooperation between governments and private companies, describing it as vital for transforming rural economies. He acknowledged that food security is a cornerstone of societal development and that increased agricultural output is necessary to support this aim. The call for such synergies is particularly timely given the evolving challenges faced by African nations, where sustainable agricultural practices can play a significant role in economic stability and growth.

Elumelu's appeal reflects a growing recognition among leaders of the necessity for a collaborative approach to agricultural development. By making agriculture more appealing to the younger generation through strategic investment and educational programs, it can provide not only livelihoods but also bolster food security across the continent. This initiative could play an influential role in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for Africa's rural sectors, underscoring the crucial interplay between public policy and private enterprise in driving development.