The African Agri Council hosted the inaugural Investment Food Forum (IFF) virtually on 17 and 18 November to address global agrifood challenges and opportunities. Africa has the potential to be the food basket of the world but, we need to join hands, learn from each other and collaborate not only to become self-sufficient but also increase trade between African countries and cross-continent. IFF hosted more than 400 industry professionals from 48 countries to facilitate the needed presentations, discussions and networking opportunities.
“The sessions were interesting and the platform is relevant for IFAD in line with its mandate. We would like to thank the ACC for providing IFAD with the opportunity to share its experiences at IFF and we are looking forward to working with the ACC again in the near future.” Brian Kapotwe, IFAD (Zambia)
Key topics discussed among panellists and audience were, bridging the gap between funders, investors and producers; funding requirements and risks; food security and supply chain challenges; climate change and its impact on agrifood; the role of agtech and its future, food processing & alternative protein foods, the value and opportunities of food waste as well as gender inequality as experts looked into education and support initiatives for women in agriculture, where we are, where we going and how can we work together to get there.
“What a great opportunity to have been a guest at the Investment Food Forum 2020 hosted by The African Agri Council (AAC), It was truly a pleasure to have been involved. Global and regional investment opportunities were highlighted and participants were offered a comprehensive overview of the food investment landscape. Being presented with a vast array of role-players, we were so encouraged and excited to be part of this fast-changing and diversified industry.” Rita Pretorius, Afrikan Logistics (South Africa)
Top participating countries were South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, USA, India and the UK. Other countries included Angola, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“I found it very interesting. I also enjoyed that it was not only an Africa focused event” Jari Matero, FinnFund (Finland)
The event was primarily aimed at the African agrifood industry but also placed emphasis on Europe, Asia, North and South America. IFF showcased relevant case studies on the current agrifood landscape, challenges, lessons to be learnt and investment opportunities in countries including India, Brazil, Philippines, Ukraine, Germany, Canada, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa and more.
“Overall it went very well, very good interaction with other speakers and good participation from the audience” Amy Ward on behalf of three Farrelly & Mitchell speakers (Ireland, Ghana & Saudi Arabia)
We hope to welcome industry professionals, entrepreneurs and agricultural producers to our physical events in 2021 which includes Market Access Africa (MAA) to be hosted in Durban, South Africa on 19-22 July; the AgriFood Tech and Innovation Summit (AFTI) which will take place 27 – 29 September, host country to be confirmed; the African Agriculture Investment Indaba (AAII) which will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa on 16-18 November and the Investment Food Forum (IFF), dates and venue to be confirmed. Visit the African Agri Council website for more information on future events and how to sign up for membership.
For more information contact Cindy Euston-Brown at cindy.eustonbrown@agricouncil.org
About the African Agri Council
The African Agri Council launched the official membership platform recently and brings together thousands of members, partners, government representatives, investors, consultants, technology providers, retailers, farmers, aggregators, and traders to connect, share knowledge and together help grow Africa’s agricultural sector. If you are active in the agrifood sector, buying and selling agrifood commodities, selling products or services for the sector, or you are looking for investment opportunities, then signing up as an AAC Member will help you to reach a global marketplace to expand your business and network. www.agricouncil.org
