Realising the growth potential in African agriculture

THE POTENTIAL for growth in African food and agriculture is well documented. However realising the continent’s full agricultural and food potential will require significant investment.

Sub-Saharan Africa will need eight times more fertiliser, six times more improved seed, at least $8 billion of investment in basic storage (not including cold-chain investments for horticulture or animal products), and as much as $65 billion in irrigation to fulfil the industry promise.

Further investment will be needed in basic infrastructure, such as roads, ports, and energy, plus improvements in policies and regional trade flows according to a recent Mckinsey report.

The African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII), to be held on November 19-20 in Cape Town, South Africa, is the global meeting place for agrifood investment in Africa. It will bring together over 700 key stakeholders – from governments, banks, financiers, investors, project owners, project developers, commercial farmers and the agro and food processing industry – to discuss trends that will likely influence food and agribusiness economics over the next decade in Africa.

Organised by the African Agri Council in partnership with African governments and government agencies, the Indaba delivers a unique mix of decision makers from across the agri value chain, making it the most effective place to conduct business in the sector.