Agribusiness Opportunities in Africa

By ASV Client Relations

Today, across Africa, big things are happening on the millions of small family farms that are Africa’s main source of food, employment, and income.

Over the last decade, African countries have laid the foundations for a renaissance in Africa’s agriculture, one powered by the enormous progress increasingly evident in farmers who are gaining more options in the seeds they plant, in the fertilisers they use, and in the markets available to purchase their produce.

So far, it’s just a glimpse of success. But it offers an inspiring new vision of a future Africa in which farming as a struggle to survive gives way to farming as a business that thrives. This future can be our reality if all of us – farmers, businesses, governments, donors and civil society organisations – are willing to act now and seize the moment, because the time is finally ripe for African agriculture.

Africa is a top producer of Cocoa, Tea and Fruits that are popular all around the world. However, African countries are still far from reaching their potentials. Africa requires large investments in production to meet not just export demand, but local demand from the growing urban population. The African continent’s population is estimated to double -reaching 2.4 billion by the year 2050. Agribusiness contributes about 25 per cent of Africa’s GDP and a staggering 70 per cent of its employment.

Within each of the four sub-regions; Eastern, Western, Central and Southern Africa – the five biggest crops (Maize, Rice, Cassava, Sweet Potatoes, Plantains) contribute more than 45% of total crop production. The livestock production mix exhibits similar diversity from 12% in Eastern Africa to 45% in Central Africa and Southern Africa.

We have seen collective efforts across the agricultural sector involving innovators, institutions, programs, and policies that can make this work. This gathering is our collective opportunity to highlight the best elements of Africa’s agriculture, the changes that are allowing farming families to lift themselves out of poverty by embracing farming as a business. It is up to all of us to come ready to build on this progress—quickly, efficiently, and at the speed and scale required to secure Africa’s rise through an agricultural transformation.

Investments in Agribusiness will ensure a better life for millions of Africa’s farmers and families—and realise the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In a region challenged by climate change, rapidly growing urban populations, and an urgent need for jobs – agriculture offers solutions, providing a clear path to food security and employment opportunities for all Africans.

Opportunities in the Agro Sector.

Agro-processing

• Commercial Irrigation.
• Grains milling and marketing (maize and wheat), sugar, dairy, fruits (mangoes, pineapples and oranges), poultry, pigs and oil crops (sunflower, sesame, canola and groundnuts).

Light manufacturing

• Construction materials.
• Agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Plastic and packaging industry.
• Leather industry.
• Pharmaceuticals and animal feed.