Amid the growing concerns of climate change and food security, the seventh annual African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII24) is emerging as a pivotal event for agribusinesses, financiers, and investors eager to capitalise on growth opportunities.
Scheduled from Monday, 18 to Wednesday, 20 November in Cape Town, AAII24 will convene over 600 key stakeholders from across the agrifood value chain, set against a backdrop of rising climate finance and agricultural transformation.
The urgency to build resilience in African agriculture is underscored by the International Monetary Fund’s recent approval of $1.3 billion in climate financing for Côte d’Ivoire. With extreme weather events increasingly threatening crop yields and livelihoods, the focus is shifting towards climate-smart solutions that can ensure sustainability and food security on the continent.
Yolisa Nyoka, programme director of AAII24, highlights the exclusive opportunities available to investors and financiers at this year’s event.
Exploring opportunities for agrifood
“The event’s DFI Forum offers dedicated sessions for attendees to engage directly with Development Financial Institutions. These sessions will focus on investment strategies, best practices, and collaborative ventures aimed at enhancing food security and driving agribusiness growth across the continent,” she said.
One of the standout features of AAII24 is the investment discovery sessions. These sessions provide accredited investors with a unique platform to explore bankable agrifood projects, presented by top-tier executives and entrepreneurs.
Attendees will gain in-depth insights into high-return opportunities spanning the entire agrifood value chain, from production to processing and distribution.
To further enhance the event’s impact, AAII24 will offer a structured matchmaking service, allowing investors and financiers to pre-schedule meetings with potential partners and project owners.
This tailored approach ensures that discussions lead to meaningful collaborations and impactful deals. By participating in these curated networking opportunities, investors can position themselves at the forefront of Africa’s agricultural transformation.
The continent is on the cusp of significant economic growth, with GDP projections expected to rise from 3.7% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025.
Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council, emphasises that unlocking this growth requires a multi-pronged approach.
“Increased public and private investment is vital to modernising the sector, improving infrastructure, and supporting research into climate-smart practices and technologies,” Leyka commented.
Enhancing productivity and resilience in the face of climate change will not only strengthen the agricultural sector but also empower young people through agribusiness opportunities.
Local processing of agricultural products, supported by infrastructure development, has the potential to create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and transform Africa from a raw material exporter to a producer of high-value goods, thereby boosting export earnings.
Moreover, regional cooperation through supportive policies will facilitate knowledge sharing, trade, and joint investments, propelling Africa’s agricultural sector towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
Click here for more information on the AAII24.
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