In 1991, Dr. Chaim Zach arrived in Lagos from Israel, carrying a vision that would fundamentally reshape Nigeria's agricultural landscape. Today, through Agric International Technology & Trade (AGRITED), he has built a vertically integrated agribusiness powerhouse that is a cornerstone of the nation's protein supply.
From Global Expertise to Nigerian Impact
Dr. Zach's journey to becoming a titan of Nigerian agribusiness is as diverse as it is impressive. After graduating in law from Tel Aviv University in 1973, he gained experience in the public sector, founded a chemical company in Israel, and later managed fire-retardant chemical production in Louisiana, USA. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to London, where he ran an artisanal goat cheese business with a herd of 700 goats.
Before his Nigerian chapter, he served as the chief executive of the city of Herzliya. He channeled this vast, eclectic experience into founding AGRITED in Nigeria in 1991. The company has since grown into a leader, averaging an impressive 21% annual growth for over two decades, by supplying day-old chicks, premium animal feed premixes, veterinary supplies, and complete farm solutions to thousands of producers nationwide.
Building a Vertically Integrated Poultry Empire
AGRITED's core mission is addressing Nigeria's critical need for affordable protein. Its operations are a masterclass in vertical integration, ensuring quality and biosecurity from breeding to distribution.
The company's flagship facilities in Oyo State are engineering marvels:
- Blue Plains Farm in Fiditi: This integrated hub houses 220,000 Ross 308 parent birds and 120,000 pullets. Its state-of-the-art Pas Reform hatchery can incubate nearly 4 million eggs at once, supported by an on-site premix production line, feed mill, and quality-control lab.
- White Plains Facility: This core breeding site maintains 33,000 heavy breeders and 18,000 light breeders, with a hatchery capacity for 1.632 million eggs.
- Green Plains Pullet Facility: This site raises 40,000 birds and includes extensive storage.
This infrastructure enables AGRITED to produce and distribute millions of high-quality broiler and layer chicks annually. The company complements this with consultancy services, turnkey farm construction, and a comprehensive range of animal nutrition products, creating a resilient supply chain.
A Legacy of Integrity and a Vision for 2050
Dr. Zach's leadership is defined by integrity, professionalism, and a deep passion for Nigeria. "I love Nigeria and I feel at home here," he states, emphasizing that his drive comes from a desire to modernize the poultry sector, not just profits. His commitment has been recognized with honors, including a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, in leadership and a 2020 Business Person of the Year award.
The impact of his work is undeniable. Under his stewardship, Nigeria's per-capita protein consumption has skyrocketed from 120 grams in 1991 to 1.5 kilograms in 2023—an increase of over 1000%. With Nigeria's population projected to hit 450 million by 2050, AGRITED's role is more critical than ever.
Dr. Zach has a strategic roadmap extending beyond 2050. The company is investing in new breeding sites like Silver Plains and diversifying into aquaculture. He is also focused on re-educating farmers to shift from a cost-oriented to a yield-oriented mindset, unlocking the sector's full potential.
Beyond business, AGRITED invests deeply in its host communities, building schools, churches, and health posts. "We have built a strong relationship with every locality through capacity-building and infrastructural projects," Dr. Zach notes, highlighting the reciprocal relationship.
By blending cutting-edge technology, rigorous biosecurity, and tangible social investment, Dr. Chaim Zach and AGRITED are not just building a company—they are architecting a more food-secure future for Africa's most populous nation.
