Mastercard has entered into a strategic partnership with Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2025, an initiative spearheaded by Sterling Bank in Abuja, aimed at empowering farmers through technology and advancing sustainable food systems across Africa.
The collaboration was unveiled during a press conference at Sterling Bank’s headquarters and reflects a shared mission to transform agriculture through digital innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainability, according to MSME Africa.
ASA 2025, themed “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny,” will convene policymakers, agritech innovators, investors, and development partners to tackle Africa’s agricultural challenges and explore solutions that promote climate resilience.
As part of the partnership, Mastercard will host a key panel discussion titled “Harnessing Digital Tools for an Agricultural Renaissance,” focusing on how data, fintech, and digital solutions can drive inclusive growth and boost productivity for African farmers.
The panel will feature Mastercard’s Daniel Huba alongside notable industry figures including Vera Iheanacho of Sterling Bank, Tajudeen Yahaya of Extension Africa, and Emmanuel Okeleji of Seamless HR.
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Speaking about the collaboration, Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, Mastercard’s Country Manager for West Africa, highlighted agriculture’s vital role in Africa’s economic stability.
“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. Through initiatives like Community Pass and the MADE Alliance, we are connecting farmers to markets, financial services, and service providers, helping them boost 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,” she said.
Olushola Obikanye, Sterling Bank’s Group Head of Agric and Solid Mineral Finance, also commended the partnership, noting that Mastercard’s leadership in digital transformation aligns seamlessly with the summit’s goals.
“We are delighted to welcome Mastercard as a partner for ASA 2025. Their pioneering work demonstrates how digital technology can uplift rural economies, particularly for smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs. This partnership fits perfectly into our vision of building an Africa that grows smart, sustainably, and inclusively,” he stated.
With more than seven million users currently registered on Mastercard’s Community Pass platform, the company reaffirmed its commitment to integrating technology, finance, and sustainability to strengthen rural livelihoods.
Sterling Bank emphasized that the Mastercard-ASA 2025 partnership highlights the transformative power of collaboration and innovation in reclaiming Africa’s food destiny, ensuring that farmers are not only surviving but thriving in the emerging digital economy.
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Image Credit: Britannica
