Dutch-Nigerian Horticulture Collaboration Blossoms: Highlights from the 2025 Horiculture Trade Mission
One month has passed since the successful horticulture trade mission to Nigeria, held from March 23 to 28, 2025, in Nigeria. This mission marked a significant step in fostering sustainable partnerships between the Netherlands and Nigeria in the field of horticulture. Organized by the Netherlands Embassy and Consulate, with the Municipality of Westland serving as mission leader, a delegation of 15 Dutch companies engaged in a comprehensive program of dialogue, discovery, and collaboration. Aligned with the Agrifood Exhibition Lagos, the mission provided a unique platform to connect Dutch innovation in seed technology, greenhouse cultivation, and sustainable farming practices with Nigeria’s rapidly evolving agricultural sector.
A Packed Program: Business, Learning, and Collaboration
The mission began with a visit to the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in Ibadan, where the Dutch delegation engaged with local researchers, exploring Nigeria’s advancements in crop improvement and climate-smart practices. This sparked discussions on Research and development, training, and technology transfer opportunities.
Over the following three days, the delegation showed their knowledge and innovations at the 10th edition of the Agrofood Exhibition in Lagos. The Dutch Pavilion attracted a lot of attention, with a mini demonstration greenhouse that showed Dutch solutions such as high-quality seeds, modern irrigation systems, and climate-smart technologies. To create more impact, the Dutch Pavilion also hosted several workshops, including one on Seed Potato Sector Development and Market Pathways in Nigeria , as well as a presentation of the Sector Roadmap for South-West Nigeria. With over 2,230 buyers and industry professionals from Nigeria and across West and Central Africa attending, the exhibition and conference were a great success.
A highlight of the event was the announcement that the Netherlands will be the Guest of Honour at the 2026 edition of the Agrofood Exhibition. This designation reflects the strong and growing partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands, and underscores Dutch expertise in the agrofood sector. It also opens up valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and business development between Dutch and Nigerian agricultural stakeholders.
Additional highlights included field visits to horticulture farms and greenhouse projects in Ogun State, as well as visits to Mile 12 and Ecotutu’s Off-Grid Cold Storage Solutions. Government-to-Government meetings in Lagos and Oyo State focused on policy alignment and strengthening public sector partnerships.
Celebrating Innovation: The Agropreneur Award Ceremony
This year’s NL Agropreneur Award of 2025 received an overwhelming 30,000 applications. The 2024 year’s winner, Oluwadamilola Awe, Founder and Executive Director of DDEE, had the honor of presenting the award to this year’s recipient, Michael Akinsete, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Ecotutu.
The award recognizes exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s agribusiness sector, and Michael’s commitment to sustainable farming and cold storage solutions truly embodies the spirit of innovation.
A Growing Momentum for the Future
The energy throughout the mission was palpable. Dutch companies were deeply impressed by Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit and growth potential within the agribusiness sector. Many expressed a strong desire to engage in pilot projects, local partnerships, and knowledge exchange programs.
As one Dutch participant remarked,
“Nigeria’s horticulture potential is like a seed ready to bloom ; with the right partners, technology, and mindset, the harvest will be both significant and sustainable.”
Another participant added,
"This mission wasn’t just about trade; it’s about building a long-term ecosystem where innovation, food security, and partnership can thrive together."
The Municipality of Westland and Dutch government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Dutch-Nigerian ties in horticulture. This partnership positions the Netherlands as a long-term ally for Nigeria’s food security and agribusiness growth. Both sides are excited about the future, eager to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of innovation, trade, and prosperity.
Want to See More?
Watch the mission highlight video here
Read more about the partnership’s impact via The Guardian Nigeria:
Nigeria, Netherlands unite on food security