Highlights from day 1 of the African Agri Investment Indaba
The African Agri Investment Indaba is a premier event, annually gathering key players across various sectors to explore and strategise the enhancement of Africa’s agricultural capabilities through investment. It serves as a meeting place for ideas, partnerships and initiatives aimed at fostering investment and development in the continent’s agrifood sector.
This year’s event is currently taking place at the CTICC in Cape Town, until 22 November 2023.
During the first day’s panel discussions, experts in the field of agriculture and finance shared their insights on strengthening agricultural value chains. The panels – which included notable figures such as Hans Bogaard from FMO Development, Cheyo Mwenechanya from ZANACO Bank, and Michael Boakye from Ecobank (pictured) – focused on the critical aspects of investment, technology and asset finance in agriculture.
Mwenechanya, head of Agriculture Banking at ZANACO Bank, highlighted the transformative impact of technology in the agriculture sector. “Technology makes it easier to make decisions and narrows any gaps in the agriculture value chain,” he stated. His comments underscored the important role of technological advancements in enhancing efficiency and decision-making processes within the agricultural value chain.
Echoing the importance of supporting key players in the sector, Ecobank Ghana’s Boakye emphasised the critical role of farmers. “Because the farmer is one of the most important players in the value chain, it is important to look at them when looking at asset finance,” he remarked. Boakye’s statement pointed to the necessity of providing financial support to farmers, recognising their central role in the agricultural ecosystem and the value chain.
These insights from industry leaders at AAII23 reflect a growing recognition of the complex challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector, particularly in strengthening value chains through investment, technology and targeted financial support.
