Agriculture – a Lucrative Solution to the World Food Crisis

Investment in Africa’s agriculture is growing tremendously, with several private equity funds injecting capital in the agribusiness sector. The sector currently presents one of the biggest opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa, and is set to play a major role in the quest to address world food security.

The need to address food security has never been greater with the world’s population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Africa must constantly develop its agriculture sector in order to reap full dividends of the increasing demand for food.

The 2010 Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) Food and Beverage Trade Expo, scheduled to take place in July will feature the Agrifica Conference which will aim to promote agricultural development in the continent.

“Agrifica was established to promote agricultural development in Africa by harnessing South Africa’s considerable agricultural skills, honed over many decades and under African conditions, in partnership with those who share the same vision,” says Marianna du Plessis, Project Manager of Agrifica.

The conference which will take place at the Gallagher convention centre in South Africa from 25 to 27 of July will focus on the global food crisis and the many opportunities this presents for agribusiness investors.

“This includes suppliers of imported non-African sourced food into Africa, new markets for sub-Saharan subsistence farmers with surpluses, better cost-to-sales ratios for larger mechanised farmers and more cost effective utilisation of transport and warehousing operations into Africa,” says du Plessis.

The theme of the conference is ‘Africa as the potential solution to the World Food Crisis’. It was specifically chosen following significant calls to refocus support on African agriculture and the role it can play in the world food crisis. Topics for discussion will include:

• Global food supply and demand

• Africa’s potential contribution to world food supplies

• Investor interest in food production in Africa

• Prospects for commercial agriculture in Africa

• Factors affecting agricultural food production

• Needed interventions to achieve Africa’s food production potential

“The conference is a vital networking opportunity for all role players. It aims to promote and enhance exports between South Africa and the rest of Africa, and perk interest between the continent and the rest of the world,” adds du Plessis.

The African continent has great potential for food production, but many areas such as infrastructure development, provision of information and communications technologies, storage, post-harvest technologies and appropriate grading standards for agricultural products.

Improved investment laws in many countries, regional integration, increased funding for agricultural projects and the rapid urban and population growth (which has provided a diverse and ample domestic market) are some of the favourable investment conditions.

AB7 showcases products and services from fresh and produced foods, to speciality foods and beverages, from export to import, as well as retail manufacturing processes.

“It’s the only trade event on the continent that provides a platform and facilitates wide-ranging business opportunities, networking possibilities and the chance to gain international recognition for your goods and services, ” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), organisers of the event.

The seven co-located events to be found at AB7 are:

• Agri-Food – Manufacturers and Producers Expo

• Pan Africa Retail Trade exhibition
Relevant Links

* Agribusiness
* Food and Agriculture
* Investment
* Capital Flows
* Sustainable Development
* Business

• FoodTech Africa – International Food and Beverage Trade Fair

• Interbake Africa – Baking Ingredients, Processes and Equipment

• IFMA – International Fair for the Meat Industries of Africa

• FoodBiz – Food, Service and Equipment

• Retail Solutions