Olawale Opeyemi believes agriculture should not stop at feeding people. It should build businesses, connect countries, and create opportunities that outlive borders
Every week, we throw 10 questions at someone whose mind we find fascinating — the thinkers, founders, innovators, policymakers, builders, and culture-shapers quietly changing how we see the world and inspiring us to do things not just differently, but better-differently. First thoughts only.
This week, meet Olawale Rotimi Opeyemi, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of JR Farms Group, a multinational agribusiness with operations spanning Nigeria, France, Rwanda, Zambia, Liberia and Benin. With more than 15 years in Africa’s agrifood sector, he has spent his career creating partnerships that move agricultural products, investments and ideas across borders.
Recently appointed the inaugural President of the France-Nigeria Agribusiness Club, Opeyemi now sits at the centre of a growing relationship between two countries looking to deepen trade, technology transfer and investment in agriculture.
His vision is simple: stronger partnerships create stronger economies.
So, what does it take to build a business that crosses continents while opening doors for others to follow?
Read as Olawale Rotimi Opeyemi shares his thoughts on France, agribusiness, integrity, and why both Nigerians and the French should explore beyond the obvious:
From Kwara to France: how a chance meeting became a long-term partnership
1. How did you ‘discover’ France? How did the relationship begin?
I met the French Embassy Agriculture Counsellor in Kwara during a work mission six years ago. That marked the beginning of our working relationship. Before then, I had travelled to France for meetings and events, but meeting the then Agriculture Counsellor, Sonia Darracq, was the official start of my relationship with the French.
2. Tell us a bit about JR Farms Group. What ventures are you currently involved in, and in what countries?
We are involved in coffee, cassava and livestock feed. We operate in Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia and France, with recent expansion into Benin and Liberia. We run factories in three countries, export products across Africa and Europe, and currently operate 18 coffee shops in two countries, with more still in development.
3. You spearheaded the first France-Nigeria Agribusiness Summit and helped establish the France-Nigeria Agribusiness Club. What’s the Club about?
The Club was established by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the French Embassy to organise leading agribusiness companies in Nigeria and connect them with partnership opportunities in France. Members will have access to funding, trade opportunities, technology transfer, trade missions and stronger stakeholder engagement.
Leading a new generation of France-Nigeria business relations
4. Congratulations on becoming the pioneer President of the France-Nigeria Agribusiness Club. What’s your vision?
The responsibility is to strengthen agribusiness and agrifood relations between France and Nigeria through the French Embassy and Business France. My vision is to deepen that cooperation and create more opportunities for collaboration.
5. The France-Nigeria Business Council has long been led by older business leaders. What does the next generation look like?
We’re following the strong foundation they’ve already built. There are many young Nigerians strengthening business ties with France. People like Adeyeye Adebowale, who is setting up a trading warehouse in France, and Mustapha Abubakar, who is developing livestock partnerships, are doing remarkable work.
Why global partnerships matter more than ever
6. You attended the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi as a guest of the French government. What stayed with you most?
The biggest lesson was that both Africa and France need each other for economic growth. Investment has to flow both ways. African businesses can invest in France just as French businesses invest in Africa, and we should maximise the collaboration platforms available.
7. Do you think the stronger France-Nigeria relationship will continue after President Emmanuel Macron leaves office?
Yes. The relationship predates President Macron and will continue after him. Previous French presidents also strengthened ties with Nigeria. We’ve seen the relationship grow under Macron, but I believe it will remain strong long after his presidency.
Business, integrity and thinking beyond the obvious
8. What’s the biggest lesson you’d give a young Nigerian hoping to do business in France?
Operate with integrity and comply with international standards. France has strict regulations, but once you meet those standards, the opportunities are there.
9. What would you like Nigerians to know about France, and what would you like the French to discover about Nigeria?
For Nigerians, I’d say France is much more than Paris—go beyond the capital and explore the country. For the French, Nigeria is much more than Lagos. There is enormous diversity across the country worth discovering.
Beyond agriculture: where the next opportunities lie
10. Beyond finance, energy and agriculture, where do you see the greatest opportunities for Nigerian and French collaboration?
Real estate, arts and culture, fashion, music and entertainment all have huge untapped potential. There is significant room for collaboration and investment in these sectors.
