Jambo Africa Online’s Publisher, SAUL MOLOBI, previews this groundbreaking conference…
The largest investment gathering in food and agriculture on the African continent, the 5th edition of the African Agri Investment Indaba, is scheduled to take place from 14 – 16 November 2022 focusing on achieving food security through private sector investment in African food and agriculture. “Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with African agri-food stakeholders,” Ben Leyka, the CEO of African Agri Council, extends an invite to all. ”The Indaba is the largest food and agriculture investment event in Africa, connecting investors with bankable opportunities and providing a strategic platform for various businesses to showcase their products and services.”
The AAC has worked closely with the South African government, represented by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), National Treasury, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), as well as provincial governments and development agencies. “Our engagement with South African stakeholders focuses on presenting South Africa as an investment destination, facilitating the transfer of knowledge as well as developing and upskilling smallholder farmers and agrifood startups,” says Ben who has been inculcating strategic stakeholder engagements as the head of the AAC.
The African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII), the AAC’s flagship event, has been hosted in Cape Town for 4 years, attracting over 2 592 with an estimated economic impact of R49 766 400 (according to the South African Convention Bureau calculation). This 5th edition will, like all previous jamborees, attract participants representing high level executives and senior government officials.
Prior to the Indaba 2018 edition, the AAC, in partnership with the NASP-USAID Investment Partnership’s for “Mobilizing Institutional Investors to Develop Africa’s Infrastructure (MIDA), hosted 30 US Pension Funds in Cape Town; the goal was to expose them to opportunities to invest in South African asset management firms targeting Sub-Saharan Africa’s infrastructure projects.
Last year the AAC launched the Athari Africa Project (AAP) to develop and upskill African small and medium scale farmers, agribusiness startups and co-operatives. The AAC is targeting 10 million beneficiaries or 181 818 per African country as part of its Athari Africa project. SMEs in agrifood have limited access to assets and expertise that would facilitate a shift from low-productivity subsistence to modern, commercial agribusinesses. The AAC is committed, through Athari Africa, to provide integrated programmes that facilitate the long awaited shift. We worked with farmers from KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Orange Free State in 2021. This year Athari Africa will work with women in agriculture across all 9 provinces. We are pursuing specific partnerships that will enable us to train 181 818 South African agrifood businesses by 2031.
“The AAC is a valuable contributor to South Africa’s national interest and the entity has proven to be feasible since its official launch in 2016 – our flagship event alone has generated over R17 Million in 4 years,” says Ben matter-of-fairly.
“We will connect investors and financial institutions to strategies and opportunities. The dedicated DFI Forum will explore how DFIs can assist companies to manage risk and take advantage of the multitude of opportunities the sector presents. The event brochure and agenda has just been launched, get a copy here and see what will be discussed over the two conference days.”
Secure your seat to make sure you’re part of the discussions taking place in November. As a registered delegate you will also get access to all networking opportunities and our B2B matchmaking service. Contact the team at eventhost@agricouncil.org to find out more or simply register online.
With just 47 days to go, time is running out to secure your booth at the upcoming African Agri Investment Indaba. Take advantage of 2 days in the agri calendar, to profile your company as a leader in the industry and meet face-to-face with the region’s agri decision-makers.
Download the event brochure to see what you can look forward to >>
This is an opportunity to connect with 1000+ senior attendees from over 50 countries, including the likes of:
Come onboard as an exhibitor or sponsor, you will get access to all these attendees and more through extended opportunities and B2B matchmaking services! EXHIBITION SPACE IS FILLING UP FAST., make sure you’re profiled as a leading supplier or solution provider to the continent’s agriculture sector.
The exhibitors already onboard:
The following are some of the confirmed speakers:
The following are the AAC’s partners:
Co-located with
And the AAC’s media partners are:
To follow the African Agri Investment Indaba, please click on the links below:
The man on the driving seat: Ben Leyka
Ben is the Chief Executive Officer of the African Agri Council NPC (AAC). The African Agri Council is a Pan-African organization that promotes the development of African agriculture by facilitating investment into bankable projects across the value chain.
Over the years, Ben has worked with global stakeholders within the public and private sector across different industries. Working for the Pan African Parliament, African Leadership Academy and now the African Agri Council, combined with his experience working in the private sector for Capital Surge Inc, AFTI and Equitics Holding have allowed him to add his voice to the development of the African continent. His love, passion and commitment towards the development of Africa are the drivers behind his work on the continent.
Ben sits on various Board Committees and he is also involved with the Africa 1st Initiative and DRC Invest – all focusing on the creation and development of entrepreneurs and conducive business environments in Africa.