Various analysts have noted that for Africa’s agriculture to experience remarkable growth, the private sector would have to play a key role. In line with that, EMRC, a Belgium-based organisation with focus on Africa has chosen a theme on the need to engage the private sector in African agriculture at its 2011 Agribusiness Forum. This forum which would be held in South Africa October 16 to 19, this year has the theme: ‘Engaging the private sector for Africa’s Agri-food growth.’
The annual AgriBusiness Forum is one of EMRC International’s showcase events, aimed at strengthening the Agri-Food sector in Africa, by encouraging partnerships, the exchange of best practices and attracting investments. The forum is opened to individuals and organisations that have a stake or interest in any aspect of agriculture or agribusiness.
According to Idit Miller, the managing director of EMRC, the success of Africa depends on the development and growth of its private sector. She reveals that the four-day forum would be a combination of plenary sessions, technical workshops, pre-organised Business to Business to Meetings and a Market Place.
The AgriBusiness Forum 2011 will gather agribusiness leaders and decision makers including private entities, financiers, donors, industrialists, researchers, governments, international organisations, non-governmental and others.
Miller says, the objective of the programme include highlighting importance of small farmer inclusion in large sector value chains, leveraging the impact of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme – CAADEP, which are the investment plans for agribusiness development, showcasing participant products to over 500 participants, that is Marketplace
