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MAKING CHANGES ONE SESSION AT A TIME:

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SIDE EVENTS AT THE AFRICAN AGRI INVESTMENT INDABA!

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 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS - 18 NOVEMBER 2024
 
These sessions played a crucial role in enhancing investment opportunities within the agrifood value chain, offering a platform for small and medium-scale farmers and agribusiness startups to explore financing options and share best practices. The high attendance and active engagement highlighted the importance of dialogue and partnerships in the evolving finance and investment landscape. Below are the hosts and key sessions:
 
Market Systems Approach to Agricultural Trade in Southern Africa: Hosted by USAID, this session focused on improving agricultural trade efficiency and sustainability. Participants discussed challenges and strategies for economic growth, leading to valuable insights and engagement.

Mastercard Foundation Fund: Securing Funding and Market Access: This masterclass provided practical strategies and case studies on securing funding for SMEs, highlighting key approaches for growth in agribusiness.
Investing in South African Agro-parks: Co-hosted by DALRRD, GIFA, and AfDB, this session explored investment opportunities in agro-parks. Attendees learned about upcoming projects and procurement processes, sparking interest in future collaborations.
 
INVESTMENT DISCOVERY SESSIONS (IDS) 19 – 20 NOVEMBER 2024

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The IDS’ provided a platform for investment-ready projects to connect with accredited investors in the agribusiness sector. This year’s sessions showcased over $1 billion in vetted projects, fostering impactful partnerships. Key highlights included participation from major investors like AFC, World Bank, and AgriFi, showcasing Africa's diverse agricultural opportunities and underscoring the significance of these sessions in connecting innovative projects with capital providers.

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FOOD SECURITY MEETING  - 20 NOVEMBER 2024

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The Food Security Strategic Meeting (FSSM), focused on critical challenges and opportunities in the agrifood sector. The session, "Local Banks and Food Security: Financing the Farm to Table Chain – Part 1," emphasized the essential role of local banks in securing the food supply chain. The session provided critical insights into sustainable financing models and risk mitigation strategies, underscoring the importance of partnerships in achieving food security.
 
DFI FORUM - 20 NOVEMBER 2024

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This  landmark session brought together global Development Financial Institutions to exchange experiences and collaborate on solutions for food security challenges. Supported by FAO, this forum represented the largest assembly of DFIs to date, showcasing nine strategic presentations from leading institutions. The discussions emphasized the pivotal role of DFIs in addressing food security and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across Africa.​​​​​