Agribusiness congress comes to Kampala
Agribusiness Congress East Africa is a regional platform for discussions and knowledge sharing to address those pertinent issues which are preventing the East African agricultural industry from truly flourishing as a global agribusiness hub.
Already the farming sector is showing great support. The Grain Council of Uganda (TGCU)’s Board vice chairman, Robert Mwanje, says the body “is delighted to partner, support and host the fourth annual Agribusiness Congress East Africa. The success of the event in the East African region has given the Grain Council of Uganda the confidence to host the upcoming edition in Uganda, setting it as a key entrant into the national annual calendar. The Congress strives to set progressive action for the commercialisation of the industry by exchanging knowledge, best practices and dynamic conversations, whilst showcasing leading agri technology to highlight the right tools for East Africa’s agri sector.”
Other industry organisations that are official partners include the East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (EACCIA), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE), Uganda Seed Trade Association (USTA), and Agricona.
“Moving the Agribusiness Congress East Africa to Uganda will once again extend the opportunity to set the spotlight on the rapid expansion of the agriculture industries within East Africa, fuelled by peaceful elections, unregulated markets and fertile lands. It will make the pearl of Africa a hot spot for agribusiness investments,” said Jon McLea, director of Agricona.
Farmers to become agripreneurs
Added event director Yolanda dos Santos: “We look forward to bringing together national, regional and international commercial farmers, donors, stakeholders, investors, policy advisors, commodity traders and industry professionals. Through the programme we aim to enhance commercial activities, enable commodity trade, sustainability, empower youth and women, encourage up skilling and provide market accessibility to the East African agricultural corridors. We will also feature the leading technologies through a product showcase to highlight the right tools for East Africa’s commercial agricultural arena.
“We all know there is great potential in the agri arena, including for commercialisation and the up skilling for an entrepreneurial mind-set amongst all-scale farmers to become agripreneurs, using technology and training programmes. Agriculture can generate huge opportunities for financial access and investment in the region and now is the time to set action to strategic plans unlocking the potential.”
Agribusiness Congress East Africa will offer market access to more than 200 million people through Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan. Agriculture accounts for almost 30% of GDP in East African countries while staple foods represent 75% of total agricultural products traded. Agriculture employs more than 60% of the population in the region.
It takes place at the Kampala Serena Hotel and the event is organised by Spintelligent, trade conference and expo organiser.
