September 23, 2016

Frances’s Vicampro Farm is partnering with the Nigerian state government of Kaduna in a joint venture to construct a $120 million potato and rice processing plant, according to an announcement made by Dr. Daniel Manzo Maigari, Kaduna State Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry at a joint press conference with members of the Vicampro management team at the Government House, Kaduna.

The project is part of an economic diversification drive undertaken by state Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, to address economic challenges affecting both the state of Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole. Moving forward, the mandate will be expanded to include additional crops.

The facility, which will be the largest of its kind in West Africa, will purchase its raw potatoes from local farmers to meet its capacity to process 2,500 tons of potatoes per day, of which 60 percent will be exported.

The Largest Agribusiness in Africa

Michael Agbogo, managing director at Vicampro stated that the company is aiming to create the largest agribusiness in Africa, saying, “Because Nigeria has the potential of doing so, in terms of land (and) people to diversify the economy,” reports the Daily Post.

Vicampro has a goal in place to cultivate 10,000 hectares over the next five years, according to the company’s website. The company is currently cultivating 700 hectares in the Kwall district of the Plateau State and is developing 1,300 hectares in Manchok Kaura L.G.A. in Kaduna State. Vicampro is also currently working in accordance with 25,000 farmers to develop its out-grower network.

Reaching its planted acreage goals and completing the establishment of its processing facility are expected to create 30,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs over the next five years, and will save Nigeria $400 million on potato seed and French fry imports.

The export sale of processed potato products across the West African region, which currently heavily depends upon imports from the EU and South Africa, is also expected to provide an economic benefit to Nigeria’s economy equal to $600 million.

“[The] majority of the French fries that we consume in Nigeria are imported,” said Adediran Adeola, secretary and legal advisor to Vicampro reports Nigerian media outlet, Leadership. “Therefore, the plant when completed will bridge the importation gap, open up rural communities and create huge employment in rural areas. Projects like this change the face of the community it is located in and injecting N10 billion into this project will change the economy of Manchok forever.”

Why Nigeria?

“We believe strongly there are two critical components to having a better world,” says Agbogo on Vicampro’s website. “One, security of lives and properties as a result of fewer conflicts. The second is cheap, available and sustainable food supply. Vicampro is a part of the solution to provide food security for Nigeria and the world.”

But why potatoes and why Nigeria?

Nigeria is the only country in West Africa with the ability to naturally grow potatoes, which have the shortest grow-time of 90 days from planting to harvest. This short growth cycle enables farmers to have three harvests per year throughout both wet and dry seasons – a key factor when considering that both local and regional demand currently surpass supply.

The country is also home to a young, able workforce and has an impressive land bank, with current cultivation standing at 270,000 hectares but a potential for 1.15 million hectares.

Given these attributes and market factors, Vicampro’s goal is to develop the potato value chain in Nigeria.

“It is a win-win situation for Manchok people, Kaduna State, and Nigeria as a whole,” said Adeola.

—

Lynda Kiernan