As momentum builds for the upcoming African Agri Investment Indaba, the stakes are high. Last year’s event saw the African Agri Council secure investment deals worth $239 million through its Investment Discovery Sessions (IDS), setting the bar even higher for this year’s edition.
The IDS platform is specifically designed to bridge the financing gap by linking accredited investors with carefully vetted, investment-ready agri-food projects.
According to the African Agri Council, the $239 million secured at last year’s indaba demonstrates both the strong pipeline of viable agricultural enterprises across the continent and increasing investor trust in opportunities that offer financial returns alongside meaningful developmental impact.
Reinhard Lotz, marketing and communications director for the African Agri Council, said the $239 million represents the quality of projects and committed investors this platform brings together.
“That investment is now actively upgrading operations, developing infrastructure, and reinforcing food systems across the continent. As we prepare for the 2025 sessions, our goal is to expand on this successful framework to release even greater investment for African agriculture,” Lotz said.
Selection process for projects
Martine Tshiani, operations manager and IDS project lead at the council, said their approach is founded on thorough preparation and a deep knowledge of the investment landscape.
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“We carefully prepare both project owners and investors, making sure presentations are powerful and that opportunities match strategic objectives. This intentional, hands-on method is why the IDS repeatedly produces deals of this scale,” Tshiani said.
The AAC is currently accepting applications for the 2025 IDS through IDS@agricouncil.org. Project owners can submit their proposals to be considered for presentation to the curated investor panel. The selection process prioritises projects with proven traction, scalable models, and strong potential to strengthen agricultural value chains across Africa.
“Our team works closely with selected project owners to refine their pitch decks and prepare them for investor presentations. The application process is straightforward, and we encourage all qualified agribusinesses to reach out to learn more about our investor criteria and selection process,” Tshiani said.
The IDS platform offers selected projects multiple benefits beyond the pitch session itself, including inclusion in the AAC’s online project database, featuring in event publications, and continued promotion to qualified investors. The comprehensive support system ensures projects are well-positioned to secure funding and build strategic partnerships.
The African Agri Investment Indaba, set for 24 to 26 November 2025 in Cape Town, will showcase the next iteration of the IDS. The session will again function as the primary deal-making forum, giving agrifood executives a direct pathway to secure funding and offering investors exclusive access to high-potential projects in sectors such as agro-processing, climate-smart agriculture, agri-tech, and essential infrastructure.
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