ASA 2024 Sets To Ignite Africa’s Agricultural Renaissance

The 7th annual Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2024 is set to convene Africa’s most influential agricultural leaders and innovators on November 11-12, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

According to a press release, this year’s summit, which has as its theme, “Transitioning from Scarcity to Security,” comes at a critical time as Africa grapples with unprecedented food inflation and supply chain disruptions.

The statement said ASA 2024 will bring together delegates from 30 countries to craft actionable plans for transforming Africa’s agricultural sector into a multi-trillion dollar powerhouse, adding that the event also boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including the Vice President of Nigera, Kashim Shettima, Group Chief Economist at Afreximbank Dr Yemi Kale, and CEO of the Africa Business Group Michael Sudarkasa.

“ASA 2024 is not just another conference—it’s a clarion call for agricultural revolution in Africa,” declares Dr. Shola Obikanye, Group Head of Agric and Solid Minerals Finance at Sterling Bank.

He further said: “We’re bringing together the brightest minds and most influential players in African agriculture to forge strategies that will not only address our current food security crisis but propel our agricultural sector into a new era of prosperity and sustainability.”

Specifically, according to statement, the summit’s agenda is meticulously crafted to address the most pressing issues facing African agriculture today.

For instance, ASA 2024 will feature its first-ever all-women panel on “Empowering Women in Agriculture,” thus recognizing the pivotal role women play in the continent’s food systems.

Also, Vice President Shettima is expected to unveil Nigeria’s ambitious plans for agricultural transformation, while Dr. Kale will provide crucial economic insights on leveraging financial instruments to boost agricultural productivity in the face of rising inflation.

Michael Sudarkasa’s participation will bring valuable perspectives on private sector engagement and investment in African agriculture.

Building on the success of previous editions, ASA 2024 will offer enhanced opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and deal-making. Key focus areas include sustainable farming practices, agri-tech innovations, value chain optimization, and innovative financing mechanisms.

“What sets ASA 2024 apart is our commitment to moving beyond talk to action,” emphasizes Dr. Obikanye. “We’re not just discussing ideas; we’re creating a roadmap for implementation.

“Participants will leave with concrete strategies they can apply immediately in their respective roles, whether they’re policymakers, farmers, investors, or researchers.”

The summit is expected to yield several high-impact outcomes, including the launch of a pan-African agricultural innovation fund, the formation of a continent-wide network of agri-tech incubators, and the establishment of a task force to address food inflation and supply chain resilience.