AgriBusiness Congress Zambia----- Creating partnerships to leverage an agricultural economy

AMONGST countries in Africa, Zambia offers the most opportunities in farming-related ventures. Hence, the AgriBusiness Congress Zambia was organised as a meeting place for local farmers and international companies to learn from each other and to create partnerships. Held in Lusaka from September 5 to 6 2012, the Congress was opened by Dr Guy Scott, vice president of Zambia.

According to the organisers, the greatest potential for increasing agricultural production in the southern African region, if not the whole continent, lies in Zambia.  “The Zambian economy has shown remarkable resilience to the global economic downturn, and the policies being put in place by the recently elected new government promise to add value to the agricultural industry and increase investment,” said Claire O’Connell, programme director of AgriBusiness Congress. “Zambia is well positioned to benefit from the investment into developing and expanding its existing commercial farming and agribusiness sector and leverage the inclusion of its emerging small-scale farming sector in commercial agribusiness value chains.”

Zambeef, one of the largest agri-businesses in the country, expects the Zambian population is expected to grow to 40 million by 2050, and as a result create huge opportunities for food producers. CEO Francis Grogan cited poultry production as teeming with opportunities, having few barriers to entry and requires minimal capital. Another huge untapped market for soya cakes, which is one of the principal ingredients in poultry feed. He also said both large and small-scale producers played a critical role in the Zambeef supply chain.

In spite of the projected domestic population growth, Zambia’s agricultural sector has the potential to feed over 200 million people in the region through its abundant land and water resources. It is the only country land-linked to eight southern African countries, an advantage which provides vast potential for accessing regional markets for agricultural commodities.

The Congress was—and will be—an important venue for Zambian farmers to get to know their export markets. In addition, the objectives of the workshops were to bring more small farmers into the commercial farming net and provide business matchmaking opportunities between project developers, agribusiness investors and traders in the region. The event returns from 18 to 20 September 2013.

AgriBusiness Congress Zambia

Date: 5-6 September 2012

Venue: Lusaka

Organiser: Spintelligent (Pty) Ltd

T: +27 21 700 3500
F: +27 21 700 3501
E: info@spintelligent.com
W: www.agribusinesscongress.com/