The African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII), hosted by the African Agri Council NPC (AAC), is set to take place from 18 to 20 November 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa. As the continent’s largest agrifood investment conference, AAII brings together key players from across the agricultural sector, including government officials, financiers, investors, and project developers. Now in its seventh edition, the Indaba continues to be a vital platform for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and unlocking investment opportunities in Africa’s food sector. The AAC is dedicated to fostering private sector investment and facilitating market access to drive the sustainable growth of agriculture in Africa.
Global Participation and Reach
The 2024 event is expected to attract over 800 participants from 21 countries, including key representatives from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. The Indaba aims to connect diverse stakeholders, such as agribusiness leaders, commercial farmers, policymakers, and development finance institutions (DFIs), with a focus on building strategic partnerships that drive growth in the agrifood sector. The event provides a unique platform for attendees to engage in discussions that address pressing challenges, explore investment opportunities, and foster collaborations to scale innovative solutions across the continent.
Key Highlights and Focus Areas
AAII 2024 is designed to address significant challenges in African agriculture while exploring strategies to unlock the sector’s vast potential. With insights from over 80 industry experts, the conference will cover key trends and investment strategies to enhance agribusiness on the continent. Among the notable speakers are Dr. Mogale Sebopetsa, Rajesh Behal, Theo De Jager, and Ade Adefeko, who will share their knowledge on how to leverage investments, adopt sustainable practices, and implement technological advancements to transform agriculture across Africa.
Seeds & Startups and Networking Opportunities
The event will commence on 18 November with a dedicated focus on Seeds & Startups, aimed at nurturing innovation among agribusiness entrepreneurs and startups. This segment will highlight emerging solutions that address agricultural challenges, providing startups with opportunities to connect with investors and industry leaders. Networking and structured matchmaking sessions throughout the event will allow participants to pre-schedule meetings, ensuring valuable connections that can lead to strategic collaborations and funding.
Plenary Sessions and Investment Discovery
The agenda for 19 November is filled with engaging plenary discussions and expert panels that tackle diverse topics relevant to the agribusiness sector. Discussions will explore strategies to enhance South Africa’s livestock and fresh produce export potential, focusing on overcoming logistics barriers to boost global trade. Investment opportunities in Ghana’s burgeoning horticulture sector will be highlighted, alongside insights on scaling agricultural projects in Zambia to maximize returns. A significant focus will also be on embracing AgriTech to enhance data-driven decision-making, which is essential for improving farm productivity. Additionally, experts will delve into strategies for scaling regenerative agriculture, promoting sustainability, and ensuring long-term resilience in farming practices.
The Investment Discovery Sessions (IDS) will provide a platform for agrifood project owners to present their bankable projects to a panel of accredited investors. These sessions are designed to attract capital for projects that demonstrate potential for scalability and profitability, thereby driving significant growth in the sector.
Development Finance Institutions (DFI) Forum and Roundtables
The final day, 20 November, will feature the Development Finance Institutions (DFI) Forum, where participants will explore how DFIs can support sustainable agriculture projects through strategic investments. Roundtable discussions will cover critical topics, such as climate financing, risk management in agricultural investments, and optimizing returns in East Africa’s agribusiness sector. Other discussions will focus on tapping into Nigeria’s cocoa and wheat markets, which hold significant potential for growth, and exploring effective partnerships to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets.
Agri Investment Indaba Awards: Celebrating Excellence
The Indaba will culminate with the Agri Investment Indaba Awards ceremony on the evening of 20 November, recognizing excellence in the African agriculture sector. The awards will celebrate contributions across various categories, including the Rising Star Award, Woman of the Year Award, Sustainability Champion Award, Innovation in Food and Agriculture Award, Development Finance Investment Deal Award, Deal of the Year Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Hosted by the African Agri Council
The event is organized by the African Agri Council NPC (AAC), which plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agricultural development across the continent. By connecting the private sector with opportunities in agribusiness, the AAC fosters investments that contribute to food security and economic growth in Africa.
Conclusion
The African Agri Investment Indaba 2024 promises to be a transformative event, offering valuable insights into the future of agribusiness on the continent. It serves as a premier platform for stakeholders to collaborate, explore new markets, and drive investments that can reshape Africa’s food and agriculture landscape. For agribusiness professionals, investors, and policymakers, AAII 2024 is the ideal venue to forge partnerships and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth in agriculture.
To secure your place at this impactful event, visit www.agri-indaba.com and register today.