Billionaire and international business laureate Dr. Mo Ibrahim has called for increased investment in agriculture in Africa.
He says because of the importance of agriculture, even countries that have struck oil are now increasing support for agriculture – and not oil – because the need to feed is becoming crucial.
Dr Ibrahim said this when he spoke at the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation 4th Global Development Lecture Series at the University of Ghana, Legon on Thursday.
“You can live without oil, you cannot live without food. So agriculture should be sexy. It should be nice, interesting – not boring,” Mo Ibrahim said.
He said increasing rate of population worldwide will translate into increased mouths to feed, noting food will eventually become “more important than oil or gas or anything else.”
He said unlike other countries, Ghana is lucky to have arable lands and urged government to put it to use.
“Food is going to be a very expensive commodity because other countries cannot produce anymore food,” he said to buttress his call for increased investment in agriculture.
Mo Ibrahim also urged African countries to exercise their democratic rights to vote out corrupt governments.
“Vote them out. You have the votes, go the polls and vote them out. Use your democratic right,” he said.
The Global Development Lecture Series is a platform for thought leaders to share their views on governance issues and future events. The foundation is partnering institutions in Ghana and around the world to promote agriculture.
