Conferences

Africa Agribusiness Forum 2014

28 - 29 April 2014, Vienna, Austria

For more information, contact: Speaking opportunities : Erika Atzori (+) 44 (0) 20 7841328 Delegates and Sponsorship: Fahad Khalid +44 (0) 20 78413290 Partnerships: Ogo Okafor +44(0) 20 78413292

Home Office: 7 Coldbath Square London, EC1R 4LQ, UK Tel: +44 20 7841 3210 Fax: +44 20 7841 3211

French Oce 609 Bt.A, 77 Rue Bayen 75017 Paris, France Tl : +33 1 44 30 81 00 Fax : +33 1 44 30 81 11

Partner

Africa Agribusiness Forum Concept

hile Africa is undergoing a phase of unprecedented, booming economic growth, food-related statistics offer a negative outlook of the continents agricultural performance. Although production is rising, one third of the African population is still undernourished. The poor shape of the African agricultural sector suggests that the development anticipated for the continent in the coming years will not be accomplished unless African governments deal effectively with Africas Achilles heel.

A Green Revolution has not yet materialised in Africa. While other parts of the world like Asia or Latin America have witnessed a technological revolution in the second half of the 20th century, Africa is still struggling to improve productivity and achieve self-sufficiency in food. In Asia, the introduction of new technologies, fertilisers, new varieties of food crops and improved agronomic practices led to a sharp rise in productivity. This was followed by a drastic reduction in the number of undernourished people from 41% in 1960 to 16% in 2000. However, in Africa, food production has not been able to keep up with population expansion, resulting in an enormous jump in the value of annual food imports to meet the growing populations demand. However, while Africas agribusiness performance as a whole remains poor, a number of success stories across the continent and a combination of government policies, private sector initiatives and commercially-minded farmers suggest that this reality could rapidly change. Several individual African countries have not only achieved food self-sufficiency, but are also producing surplus for export. A number of farmers are also seizing new opportunities resulting from higher global prices and increased demand from growing urban populations. The challenges of the African agribusiness sector remain numerous and tough, with investments, mechanisation, and commercialisation at the top of the list. It

is essential to create the conditions for private entrepreneurs, including small farmers, to create successful businesses and gain easier access to finance and the markets. This includes investing in the improvement of private infrastructure such as roads and transportation, water and energy. Some African countries have shown serious commitment to investing in agriculture through both national and regional initiatives. With the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security, signed by African heads of states in 2003, signatories have committed to increasing their agricultural budgets to at least 10% of their national budgets within five years. These capital injections have allowed some countries to invest in modern agricultural equipments and provide farmers with incentives to increase productivity. As well as governments, international organisations have contributed to introducing new agricultural machinery, especially in the field of irrigation, which in some cases has contributed to triple farm income. Emerging powers such as China, India and Brazil have also spotted the tremendous opportunities that the African agricultural sector offers and are seeking to break into the African market at various levels. These include financial assistance through loans to allow African governments and businesses to purchase agricultural machinery, as well as the direct supply of agricultural equipment.

Africa Agribusiness Forum Overall aim of the event

With this in mind, this Forum offers a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about case-studies, success stories, and the latest projects and innovation in the African agribusiness sector. The event will bring together private sector operators, African Ministers and government officials, development financial institutions, agronomists, economists and engineers, to explore and discuss the way forward to significantly develop Africas agricultural sector at all levels of the value-chain. The forum will cover all aspects of agricultural development, including finance, biotechnology, seed systems, water and irrigation systems, soil health and fertilisers, technological innovation, small holders access to finance and markets, commodity prices, distribution, infrastructure and logistics, food security, sustainable agriculture, and bio-energy. Participants will have access to a unique networking platform, as well as the opportunity to showcase products and services within a large exhibition space.

Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security Signatories have committed to increasing their agricultural budgets to at least 10% of their national budgets within ve years.

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One third of the African population is still undernourished

WhY aTTEND
Promote the role and importance of agriculture and agribusiness in contributing to economic growth, development and food security in Africa; Discuss the state and way forward of the green revolution in Africa; Explore the role of technological innovation and mechanisation in enhancing agricultural productivity; Explore how to optimise value-chains; Discuss the potential of the private sector in contributing to agricultural development; Explore financing options and investment opportunities; Discuss strategies and policies to improve smallholders access to markets; Discuss strategies and policies to improve smallholders access to finance; Gain an understanding of local, regional and global market demand; Understand price developments in the commodity markets; Learn about the role of Commodity Exchanges in Africa; Explore market reform options to fuel the development of agribusiness in Africa; Understand the latest developments in land and water management; Learn about the latest developments in biotechnologies; Explore options to improve soil health through fertilisers; Learn about the latest solutions in seed systems; Forge new partnerships and business ventures; Enjoy a platform to meet key-decision makers and discuss priorities, longterm strategies and result-focused solutions and policies.

Who shoULD aTTEND

Ministers and government officials Agriculture/agribusiness companies Producers and suppliers of agricultural products (seeds, fertilisers, etc.) Producers and suppliers of farming equipment agricultural machines Commodity Exchanges Banks and financial institutions Investors and financiers Microfinance institutions Development financial institutions Multilateral organisations Trade associations Business associations Consultancies

WhY spoNsoR
Sponsoring this Forum offers wide-ranging benefits, giving your institution a unique platform at the conference, as well as through our publications African Business, New African and African Banker, enhancing your corporate profile to influential participants. Our dedicated team will work closely with the sponsors to tailor their involvement in the summit and maximise media exposure.

NETWoRKING oppoRTUNITIEs
Sponsors will benefit from networking opportunities with government officials, current and potential investors, private sector companies, intergovernmental and multilateral organisations, consultancies and advisory firms, and other stakeholders, including high level speakers. Opportunities for scheduled or impromptu meetings are also available and can be facilitated in line with sponsors objectives.

Exposure & Visibility: Pre, during and post-event marketing exposure is offered across bespoke Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver packages. At the event, sponsors will benefit from branding and signage featuring corporate logos displayed prominently. Post event communication with delegates and the wider business community will include sponsor logos. Sponsors will also benefit from extensive media coverage in our business and current affairs magazines African Banker, African Business, and New African, as well as from international media covering the event.