Market Information
Global African agribusiness accelerator program launched at AGCO future farm in Lusaka , ZAmbia
Global Africa Agribusiness Accelerator Program ( GAAAP ) officially launched on Wednesday , December 14 , 2016 , at the AGCO Future Farm in Lusaka by the Vice President of Zambia , Her Excellency Inonge Mutukwa Wina in the company of Gary Collar , Senior Vice President and General Manager for AGCO Asia-Paci c and Africa ; Nuradin Osman , AGCO Vice President and General Manager for Africa ; and Michael Sudarkasa , Chief Executive officer of the Africa Business Group- Pioneers of GAAAP .
�e Global African Agribusiness Accelerator Platform identi es and works with Africaactive agribusiness / agriculture enterprise owners aged 40 or below who have been in business at least two to three years or more , and who seek to grow their enterprises by 20 percent year-on-year over the next three years .
And speaking at the launch , the Vice President of Zambia encouraged young women to take up agriculture .
“ I am delighted to see young women taking up leadership roles in agriculture and breaking stereotypes that agriculture is a man ' s eld ,” said Vice President Inonge Wina . �e rst session of the GAAAP was aimed at young agribusiness entrepreneurs discussing the importance of technology adoption in modern farming and agribusiness and how best they can develop strategies to acquire technology they deem bene cial to the growth of their businesses . And speaking at the same launch , Gary Collar reiterated AGCO ' s Future Farm vision as being a leading edge agricultural mechanization and technology centre committed to developing the next generation of farmers , farm workers and agricultural entrepreneurs in Africa .
“ �e Future Farm brings the best practical knowledge and services from AGCO and a broad range of partners from across the agricultural value chain to transform Africa ' s agricultural development . �is form of collaboration builds a sustainable food production system ,” Gary said .
�e two-day event equally saw delegates not involved with primary production able to discuss the importance of technology , beyond the farm , in processing , packaging and retailing . To ensure maximum exposure , delegates were introduced to professionals representing various programs / projects that exist across Africa who are supporting young entrepreneurs in this area .
Michael Sudarkasa , the founder of GAAAP , outlined the objectives of the initiative : “ We want to promote intra-African , intra-youth , knowledge and success model sharing , trade and investment in agriculture and agribusiness among platform members ,” said Michael . Michael added , “ We further want to promote youth in agriculture and agribusiness by showcasing and promoting platform members , creating mutually bene cial linkages between youth-owned enterprises and the growing number of smallholder farmer transformation ' projects ' on the continent .”
During the event , delegates were treated to a tour of the AGCO Future Farm showcasing the current projects and trends in technology , from the agronomical demonstration plots that AGCO is managing with the help of its partners in the agribusiness value chain to the Fully Fused Future Farm operations centre which showcases the current technology in machinery and farm management . Delegates were also shown the GSI poultry production unit and grain storage systems and had a crash course on tractor operations and how best mechanization can bene t and upscale their businesses .
From left to right : Louisa Parker , External Affairs , AGCO ; Gary Collar , Senior Vice President Asia-Pacific and Africa , AGCO ; Michael Sudarkasa , CEO , Africa Business Group ; Elly Mwale , CEO , Glymo Enterprises ; Jason Burbidge , Director of Sales and Distribution Southern and East Africa and General Manager , AGCO Zambia .
January - February 2017
FARMERS
[ 14 ] REVIEW AFRICA www . farmersreviewafrica . com