A high-performing, resilient, and competitive agrifood processing sector can create remunerative employment opportunities, link producers to growing and lucrative urban markets, and help to ensure that consumers have access to sufficient and healthy food. Africa’s food processing sector is growing in response to growing demand for processed and high-value foods in the continent. However, processing firms, many of them small and informal enterprises, still face serious constraints. The 2022 Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR) examines Africa’s agrifood processing sector and its role in sustainable food systems on the continent. The report examines available evidence on the current status and performance of the sector, discusses key challenges, and identifies required policy actions to maximize its contribution to achieving sustainable food systems for all.
Please join us for this seminar where key research findings and policy recommendations of the 2022 ATOR will be presented and discussed by a distinguished panel of representatives from academia, the private sector, and international and regional organizations engaged in strengthening Africa’s agri-food processing sector.
Welcome Remarks
- Johan Swinnen, Managing Director of Systems Transformation, CGIAR and Director General, IFPRI (video recording)
- Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, African Union Commission
Setting the Scene
- Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson and Acting Managing Director, AKADEMIYA2063
Key Research Findings and Recommendations
- Getaw Tadesse, Director of Operational Support, AKADEMIYA2063 (presentation)
Panel Discussion
- Janet Edeme, Head of Rural Development Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), African Union Commission
- Dejene Tezera, Director of Department of Agribusiness Development, UNIDO
- Ashish Pande, Country Head, Olam Nigeria
- Atsuko Toda, Director of Agricultural Finance and Rural Development, African Development Bank
- Thomas Reardon, Nonresident Fellow, IFPRI
Moderator
- Charlotte Hebebrand, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, IFPRI