Driving Africa’s Green Future: Mastercard partners Agriculture Summit Africa to drive digital transformation in agriculture
Driving Africa’s Green Future: Mastercard partners Agriculture Summit Africa to drive digital transformation in agriculture
Mastercard has announced a collaboration with Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2025, hosted by Sterling Bank, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Nigeria on November 6–7. ASA is Africa’s leading platform for advancing agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems. The summit, themed “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny,” will convene policymakers, agricultural experts, investors, and key stakeholders to chart a path toward climate-resilient and inclusive food systems.
Through this strategic collaboration, Mastercard will lead an expert conversation on “Harnessing Digital Tools for an Agricultural Renaissance,” which will explore how digital innovation, data, and financial technology can accelerate Africa’s journey toward inclusive and resilient agriculture. The conversation will be led by Daniel Huba of Mastercard as well as other sector leaders including Vera Iheanacho of Sterling Bank, Tajudeen Yahaya of Extension Africa, and Emmanuel Okeleji, CEO Seamless HR.
Mastercard’s Country Manager, West Africa, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal said: “Agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy, contributing up to 40% of GDP and employing over 60% of the workforce. That is why we are committed to driving digital inclusion across Africa’s agricultural ecosystem. Through solutions such as Community Pass, and efforts like the MADE Alliance, we are connecting farmers to markets, financial institutions, and service providers, helping them increase productivity and income. Partnering with Agriculture Summit Africa allows us to amplify this impact and accelerate Africa’s journey toward a digitally inclusive and climate-resilient food system.”
ASA 2025 will focus on key themes such as green finance, agritech innovation, youth and women empowerment, and climate-smart agriculture, all geared toward reclaiming Africa’s food destiny through sustainability.
Commenting on the partnership, Olushola Obikanye, Group Head Agric and Solid Mineral Finance at Sterling Bank stated: “We are delighted to welcome Mastercard as a partner for ASA 2025. Their pioneering work has shown how digital technology can transform rural economies, especially for smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of creating an Africa that grows smart, sustainably, and for all.”
Through solutions like Community Pass, a shared digital platform that extends access to critical services in remote communities, such as smallholder farmers, Mastercard continues to drive innovation that empowers underserved populations. Community Pass has registered 7 million users on the platform. Mastercard’s participation reinforces its long-standing commitment to financial inclusion and agricultural digitization across the continent.
By integrating technology, finance, and sustainability, Mastercard is helping to build the foundation for a resilient and equitable agricultural future—one where farmers are not only surviving but thriving in a digital economy.
As Africa stands at a turning point in redefining its food systems, Mastercard’s partnership with ASA 2025 underscores the critical role of collaboration and innovation in shaping a greener, more self-reliant agricultural future for the continent.
About Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA)
Agriculture Summit Africa is the continent’s leading platform for dialogue, innovation, and investment in agriculture. The summit brings together key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to drive sustainable agricultural transformation, promote food security, and foster inclusive economic growth.
About Mastercard
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Its mission is to connect and power an inclusive digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere, by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Through initiatives like Farm Pass, Community Pass, and Strive Women, Mastercard is empowering farmers, agribusinesses, and women entrepreneurs to access markets, finance, and opportunities for growth across Africa.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank Limited is a full-service national commercial bank in Nigeria and a member of Sterling Financial Holdings Group. With a heritage of more than 60 years, the bank has evolved from Nigeria’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a trusted provider of retail, commercial, and corporate banking services. Sterling is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast focus on its HEART strategy, which centers on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, showing how purpose-driven leadership can deliver transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
Guided by a culture of innovation and a passion for excellence, Sterling Bank remains dedicated to redefining the banking experience for millions of customers across Nigeria.
