Africa is well positioned to become the global breadbasket; with 60 % of the world’s unused cropland spread across the continent that can be used for farming, it has the potential to emerge as a major food supplier. African governments are prioritising agriculture on their respective development agendas, and this shift has been supported by increased access to technological innovations and investments the last couple of years. However, despite those positive developments, African food systems have been severely impacted by external shocks in recent times.
Why are African countries in danger of facing serious food shortages, despite years of policy reforms, investments and vast unexploited land resources? Why is the continent’s food system so vulnerable to global shocks? How can Africa strengthen its food systems with the clear objective of becoming a food exporter?
Different stakeholders over the years have presented reasons why the continent continues to face so many challenges in the food and agriculture industry, and different solutions have been explored, analysed and implemented to achieve food security – whether it is the diversification of African food systems through the move from the major global commodities to more investment made towards African indigenous and resilient crops, or the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, or the establishment of incubation farms, the implementation of community based projects to develop targeted value chains.
One thing is for certain, the food and agriculture industry presents a massive commercial opportunity for the private sector.
The food and agriculture value chain offers a growing number of attractive investment opportunities, driven by some compelling global trends. Demand for both primary and value-add food is growing in emerging economies and demand in developed markets is tending towards more niche good-for-you products; this demand is being achieved through cross border M&A activities and is spreading into emerging markets through private equity strategies as a gateway to new markets, secure supply chains and a response to regulatory and trade changes.
There’s never been a better time to gather high level stakeholders in food and agriculture in one place to connect, conduct business and discuss the commercial economics of food and agriculture.
The African Agri Council is pleased to announce the 6th edition of African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) which will take place from 13 – 15 November 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Center in Cape Town.
This year’s edition of the Agri Indaba focuses on “achieving food security through private sector investment: the battle of narratives”. Far too often, the African continent has been perceived as an unpredictable place for business – the battle of narratives is as important as the battle to secure private sector investment in African food and agriculture.
The African Agri Investment Indaba 2023 or AAII23 will feature the 2nd edition of DFI Forum, Banking & Microfinance In Agribusiness Forum, high level policy discussions where forward-thinking policy and development priorities are presented and assessed, Investment Discovery Sessions, strategic closed sessions as well as food and agribusiness CEO panels.
This year Agri Indaba is setup to bring together small and medium size farmers, agribusiness startups, captains of industries, development financial institutions, private equities, asset managers, commercial banks and lenders, microfinance institutions, policy makers, solution providers representing the entire value chain as different case studies, policies, and solutions are presented to achieve a food secured continent.
Find out more: https://www.agri-indaba.com/ | Email: eventhost@agri-indaba.com
