Soybean, Livestock Development Can Strengthen African Economies – USSEC

The Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Jim Babb, says expanding soybean production and developing the livestock sector will help strengthen African economies, with Nigeria playing a key role in the region's growth.

Babb said U.S. Soy has been working in Nigeria since 2019 because of the country's growing population and rising demand for soy-based products. He noted that while Nigeria produces soybeans locally, increasing demand from the poultry, aquaculture, livestock and food processing sectors will require additional imports to support the industry.

He said U.S. Soy provides high-quality, consistent soybean products with strong protein, digestible amino acids and energy content, helping livestock farmers and feed millers improve efficiency and reduce production costs. He added that USSEC also supports the industry through technical training, feed formulation, materials handling and biosecurity programmes.

Babb said Nigeria's importation of 62,000 tonnes of U.S. soybeans in early 2025 marked a positive step in trade relations. He expressed confidence that cooperation between both countries would continue as Nigeria expands its soybean crushing industry to meet demand for soybean meal and oil, adding that local production and imports can grow together to support the country's livestock value chain.