Sterling Bank has reiterated its unwavering commitment to advancing food security and sustainable agriculture across Africa as the world celebrates World Food Day 2025. The World Food Day 2025 was celebrated in October 16 with the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
The Group Head, Agric Finance and Solid Minerals of Sterling Bank, Olushola Obikanye, emphasized the urgency of partnership-driven solutions to transform Africa’s food systems.
Olushola stated thus:
“The 2025 World Food Day theme captures exactly what Africa needs right now: collaboration. No single institution or government can fix food insecurity alone. We must work hand in hand with financial institutions, technology providers, farmers, development partners, and other key stakeholders to create a future where hunger is history.
“At Sterling Bank, we’ve seen what’s possible when partnerships align with purpose. Our commitment goes beyond financing as we are helping to build an ecosystem where farmers have access to credit, markets, and the knowledge they need to thrive. That is how we can produce better food, improve nutrition, and secure a better future for generations to come.
“Food security must move from being a national aspiration to a continental priority. We are sitting on 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, yet Africa still imports billions of dollars’ worth of food annually. This paradox can only change through action, investment, innovation, and inclusion.”
“Our strategy is built on three pillars: empowerment, innovation, and sustainability. We are empowering farmers through finance, innovating through technology, and promoting sustainability through climate-smart agriculture. The result is not just better yields; it’s better livelihoods and stronger communities.”
Sterling Bank’s leadership in agricultural advocacy and investment will again take centre stage at the upcoming Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2025, scheduled for November 6–7, 2025, where thought leaders and innovators will convene under the theme “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny.”
The summit, convened annually by Sterling Bank, has become one of Africa’s foremost platforms for driving sustainable agricultural policy and investment. ASA 2025 will bring together policymakers, financiers, agribusiness leaders, and farmers to co-create practical solutions for achieving a resilient, food-secure continent.
“World Food Day and ASA 2025 are connected by a single truth. Africa’s food future will be secured only when we combine innovation, capital, and compassion to build systems that feed our people and protect our planet.”