Ambassadors

Samaila Iliya is an accomplished agribusiness professional, ginger farmer, export specialist, and public administrator with extensive experience spanning agriculture, international trade, procurement, policy administration, and project management. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specialization in finance and investment from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is also a graduate member of the National Institute of Management (Chartered) and has completed several professional certifications in export management, agribusiness, and strategic management. 

A recognized advocate for the Nigerian ginger industry, Samaila is an active member of the Youth Ginger Task Force under CBI Netherlands and serves on the Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce (GBECT) Emergency and Recovery Committee, contributing to initiatives aimed at rebuilding and strengthening the sector following the 2023 ginger blight epidemic. He has also partnered with the EU–VACE TARED Project (GIZ/EU/BMZ) to support resilience, seed systems, sustainable production, and export opportunities within the ginger value chain. As the African Food Changemakers Spices and Condiments Value Chain Ambassador, Samaila is dedicated to promoting innovation, market access, capacity building, and sustainable growth within Africa's spices and condiments industry while connecting agripreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders across the continent.