Fidelis Danjuma, a mentor with the 2026 Leading Change Accelerator Program (LCAP) Blueprint, has urged Africa’s next generation of agripreneurs to move beyond traditional farming skills and adopt a multidisciplinary approach to entrepreneurship. Speaking to journalists, Danjuma highlighted that modern agribusinesses require expertise in financial management, digital technology, value-chain operations, and strategic marketing to thrive. He argued that cross-disciplinary mentorship and integrated training are critical to transforming innovative ideas into scalable ventures capable of driving economic growth and job creation across the continent.
The agriculture sector, Danjuma noted, exemplifies the urgency of this shift. While agronomy remains foundational, he stressed that sustainable agribusinesses must also address market dynamics, climate resilience, and technological adoption. "Combining primary-sector practices with modern business principles can elevate agriculture from a subsistence activity to a high-growth sector," he said. This approach, he added, would enable young entrepreneurs to tackle food security challenges while generating economic value, particularly in regions where agriculture employs a significant portion of the population.
Danjuma emphasized the role of mentorship in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical execution. He described the 10-week LCAP Blueprint program as a platform to equip its 2026 cohort with the skills, networks, and confidence needed to develop viable ventures. "Mentors must guide young innovators to ask the right questions, test assumptions, and build resilience," he said. The program’s focus extends beyond business creation, aiming to cultivate entrepreneurs who can identify community challenges and design solutions with measurable social and economic impact.
The call for integrated training aligns with broader efforts to position Africa’s youth as key drivers of the continent’s economic transformation. Danjuma reiterated that with the right ecosystem and opportunities, young innovators could shift from passive participants to active architects of change. His remarks come as Nigeria and Germany advance industrial partnerships, and local initiatives like Anambra’s cassava and rice value chains demonstrate the potential of agripreneurship to stimulate regional economies.
Fidelis Danjuma Urges Agripreneurs to Combine Agricultural Expertise with Business Acumen