- The African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII24) will gather over 600 stakeholders in Cape Town from November 18-20 to drive climate-smart agricultural investments across Africa.
- The event will feature dedicated sessions with Development Financial Institutions and investment discovery sessions for exploring high-return agrifood projects.
- AAII24 aims to boost resilience, food security, and economic growth through climate-smart solutions and transformative investments in the agrifood value chain.
AAII24 to Drive Climate-Smart Agricultural Investments in Africa
The seventh annual African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII24) is set to take place in Cape Town from November 18 to 20, gathering over 600 stakeholders to explore climate-smart agricultural solutions. With a focus on resilience, growth, and transformative investments across Africa’s agrifood value chain, the event aims to address the pressing issues of climate change and food security on the continent.
As climate-related challenges increasingly threaten crop yields and livelihoods, the need for sustainable and resilient agricultural practices has never been more urgent. The International Monetary Fund’s recent approval of $1.3 billion in climate financing for Côte d’Ivoire underscores the critical importance of building resilience in African agriculture.
Yolisa Nyoka, Programme Director of AAII24, highlighted the event’s focus on offering exclusive opportunities for investors and financiers. The DFI Forum, a key feature of the event, will provide attendees with dedicated sessions to engage directly with Development Financial Institutions (DFIs), focussing on investment strategies, best practices, and collaborative ventures aimed at enhancing food security and driving agribusiness growth across Africa.
Another standout feature of AAII24 is the investment discovery sessions, where accredited investors will have the opportunity to explore bankable agrifood projects presented by top-tier executives and entrepreneurs. These sessions will offer deep insights into high-return opportunities across the entire agrifood value chain, from production to processing and distribution.
To maximise the event’s impact, AAII24 will include a structured matchmaking service, enabling investors and financiers to pre-schedule meetings with potential partners and project owners. This approach is designed to foster meaningful collaborations and facilitate impactful deals, positioning investors at the forefront of Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council, emphasised the need for increased public and private investment to modernise Africa’s agricultural sector, improve infrastructure, and support research into climate-smart practices and technologies. He noted that 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, coupled with 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. This transformation could significantly boost export earnings and drive economic growth, with GDP projections expected to rise from 3.7% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025.
Regional cooperation through supportive policies will also play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge sharing, trade, and joint investments, propelling Africa’s agricultural sector towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
