Africa’s agro industry leaders set to brainstorm on food security
By Cynthia Alo
Leading stakeholders in
Africa’s agriculture sector are set create pathways to sustainable food security in its upcoming annual Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2024.
The summit, which is in its seventh edition, will hold in Abuja on November 11, and it is themed, “Transitioning from Scarcity to Security,” comes at a critical time Africa is grappling with unprecedented food inflation and supply chain disruptions.
ASA 2024 will bring together delegates from 30 countries to craft actionable plans for transforming Africa’s agricultural sector into a multi-trillion dollar powerhouse.
The summit boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including the Vice President of Nigera Kashim Shettima, Group Chief Economist at Afreximbank, Dr. Yemi Kale, and CEO of the Africa Business Group Michael Sudarkasa,
“ASA 2024 is not just another conference—it’s a clarion call for agricultural revolution in Africa,” declares Dr. Shola Obikanye, Group Head of Agric and Solid Minerals Finance at Sterling Bank.
He stated further, “We’re bringing together the brightest minds and most influential players in African agriculture to forge strategies that will not only address our current food security crisis but propel our agricultural sector into a new era of prosperity and sustainability.”
The summit’s agenda is meticulously crafted to address the most pressing issues facing African agriculture today. Also, ASA 2024 will feature its first-ever all-women panel on “Empowering Women in Agriculture,” recognizing the pivotal role women play in the continent’s food systems.
Vice President Shettima is expected to unveil Nigeria’s ambitious plans for agricultural transformation, while Dr. Kale will provide crucial economic insights on leveraging financial instruments to boost agricultural productivity in the face of rising inflation.
Michael Sudarkasa’s participation will bring valuable perspectives on private sector engagement and investment in African agriculture.
Building on the success of previous editions, ASA 2024 will offer enhanced opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and deal-making. Key focus areas include sustainable farming practices, agri-tech innovations, value chain optimization, and innovative financing mechanisms.
“What sets ASA 2024 apart is our commitment to moving beyond talk to action,” emphasizes Dr. Obikanye. “We’re not just discussing ideas; we’re creating a roadmap for implementation. Participants will leave with concrete strategies they can apply immediately in their respective roles, whether they’re policymakers, farmers, investors, or researchers.”
The summit is expected to yield several high-impact outcomes, including the launch of a pan-African agricultural innovation fund, the formation of a continent-wide network of agri-tech incubators, and the establishment of a task force to address food inflation and supply chain resilience.
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