Yobe to showcase products in Morocco

The upcoming Meknes International Trade Fair in Morocco presents a significant opportunity for Yobe State to showcase its agricultural potential and attract both domestic and international investors. The Association of Regions (Governor’s Forum) in Morocco has extended an invitation to Yobe State, signaling a growing recognition of the state’s rich agricultural resources and investment potential.

According to Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, Director-General for Press and Media Affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni, this collaboration aims to drive agricultural development, investment, and climate initiatives across Yobe’s 17 local government areas. The trade fair will serve as a platform to promote high-value commodities such as:

1. Sesame Seeds (recognized for its export quality)
2. Gum Arabic (a key product in food and pharmaceutical industries)
3. Beans & Groundnuts (widely traded staple crops)
4. Livestock (a vital sector for meat and dairy production)

Yobe’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mustapha Goniri, further emphasized the state’s commitment to value addition, noting the establishment of four sesame processing plants to enhance product quality and competitiveness in international markets. Meanwhile, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Adamu-Jajere, reaffirmed the readiness of all 17 local government councils to participate actively in the trade fair, positioning their agricultural products for investment opportunities.

The participation of Yobe in this trade fair aligns with the state government’s broader strategy to engage youth in agribusiness and foster job creation. The African Network Center consulting firm, represented by its CEO, Ahmed Gombe, is facilitating the necessary documentation to ensure a seamless entry into the trade fair.
Source- News Agency of Nigeria

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Yobe State’s engagement in Morocco’s International Trade Fair is a strategic step toward unlocking new agricultural markets, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and strengthening value chains. However, for this opportunity to yield long-term benefits, the following key factors must be considered:

1. Beyond Showcasing – Targeted Market Linkages
   Participation in a trade fair alone does not guarantee investment. Yobe must actively engage with potential buyers, traders, and investors to establish long-term supply agreements, particularly for sesame and Gum Arabic, which are highly demanded in Europe and Asia.
2. Competitive Quality Standards for Export
   While Yobe has established sesame processing plants, meeting international phytosanitary and quality standards remains critical. Government and private sector actors must ensure compliance with global requirements for residue limits, moisture content, and packaging to enhance marketability.
3. Leveraging Climate-Smart Agriculture
   With climate concerns high on the agenda, Yobe’s participation in this trade fair must also position its agricultural strategy within the framework of sustainability. Investors are increasingly drawn to regions adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, such as regenerative farming, water-efficient irrigation, and soil conservation techniques.
4. Financing & Value Chain Development
   Attracting investment should go beyond primary production. Stakeholders must position agribusiness ventures that integrate value addition, such as processing facilities for sesame oil extraction and Gum Arabic refinement. This approach ensures higher export earnings rather than just selling raw commodities.
5. Policy Consistency & Institutional Support
   Investors seek policy stability and ease of doing business. Yobe must align its agricultural policies with investment-friendly regulations, such as land tenure security, tax incentives for agro-processors, and streamlined export procedures to build investor confidence.

Conclusion
Yobe State’s participation in Morocco’s Meknes International Trade Fair offers a critical opportunity to elevate its agribusiness sector and position its high-value crops and livestock on the global stage. However, success will depend on strategic market engagement, adherence to export quality standards, and investor-friendly policies. By capitalizing on this momentum, Yobe can drive sustainable agricultural growth, create jobs, and establish itself as a key player in Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape.