The World Food Prize Foundation has named Nigeria’s Professor Chiedozie Ngozi Egesi among 40 distinguished innovators recognized as the 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP), marking the 40th anniversary of the prestigious World Food Prize.

The 2026 cohort comprises 40 outstanding individuals from 30 countries across six continents, ranging in age from 16 to 81. The honorees reflect the diversity of talent driving innovation in food and agriculture worldwide and are advancing solutions across the agri-food sector, demonstrating that impactful leadership can emerge from any region and at any stage of life.

Professor Egesi, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading agricultural technology pioneers. A renowned cassava breeder, his career has been defined by transformative contributions to crop improvement, biotechnology, and seed systems across the continent.

As head of the NRCRI, Professor Egesi provides scientific and institutional leadership, championing the integration of modern genomics, digital technologies, and biotechnology into Nigeria’s agricultural systems. His research has led to the release of dozens of improved cassava varieties, including biofortified and climate-resilient cultivars that have benefited millions of smallholder farmers.

He has also been instrumental in translating cutting-edge science into practical agricultural solutions through pioneering work in molecular breeding, genomic selection, and gene editing for African staple crops.

Reacting to the recognition, Professor Egesi expressed gratitude to the World Food Prize Foundation and dedicated the honour to the many institutions and individuals who have contributed to the success of agricultural innovation efforts across Africa.

“I am deeply humbled and sincerely grateful to the World Food Prize Foundation for recognizing me as one of the 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers. This honour reflects not only my personal journey but also the collective efforts of many outstanding individuals and institutions committed to transforming agriculture through science, innovation, and partnership,” he said.

According to him, achievements in cassava breeding have been made possible through collaborations with international, national and state agricultural institutions, universities, extension agencies, private-sector partners, farmer organisations, researchers, technicians, students, and farming communities.

“This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue working towards improved cassava varieties, resilient food systems, enhanced livelihoods for farmers, and a more food-secure Africa. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come,” he added.

Professor Egesi also played a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s first permit for the field evaluation of genetically modified cassava. He is recognised globally for fostering collaborative research partnerships with leading institutions, including Cornell University and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), helping to strengthen agricultural research networks across Africa.

Another Nigerian recognised among the 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers is Raphael Mrode, who was honoured for his contributions to dairy cow genetics and breeding.

The recognition of both Professor Egesi and Mrode highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in global agricultural research and innovation, as well as the country’s contributions to advancing food security and sustainable agricultural development.