DES MOINES, IA (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce convened an inaugural U.S.-Africa AgTech Forum in Des Moines, Iowa on October 15, 2019. The day-long conference brought together stakeholders from government, business, academia and multilateral institutions to take stock of the agriculture sector in Africa and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability by incorporating technology across agricultural value chains in support of smallholder farmers.
The U.S.-Africa AgTech Forum featured panel discussions, transformation talks, and presentations on a myriad of topics. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the forum’s aim was threefold: to highlight innovative private sector solutions in the AgTech space, discuss areas for further investment and qualifiers for investment, and create an avenue for collaboration between the U.S. and the African private sector. The program was held in the following three sessions:
SESSION 1: The Farm of the Future
This session focused on maximizing agricultural inputs to enable farms to be more productive, efficient and sustainable. Presentations on this session featured new input technologies such as fertilizers, soil amendments, seeds, and energy. Companies which took part in the forum discussed advancements in precision agriculture through software, sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Presentations also showcased business models that have been successful across the continent.
SESSION 2: Emboldening Agriculture Supply Chains
This session examined innovative technologies strengthening supply chains from farm-to-consumer. Innovators showcased new technologies in processing, packaging, and traceability. Common inefficiencies in distribution were also discussed and with exploration of potential solutions.
SESSION 3: Catalysts
This session focused on enabling regulatory environments, access to finance, rule of law and land rights as well as blockchain, data and alternative credit scores, and fintech and microfinance.
Representing the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ato Fitsum Arega, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United States, attended the forum. Ato Fistum, following the forum, tweeted: “Pleased to attend AgTech2019 at IA. Learned great deal regards the need to promote digital solutions for African Agricultural problems. Unlimited tech farming investment potential in Ethiopia & leapfrog. Heartfelt applause for PM Abiy Ahmed Nobel Peace Laureate at AgTech Forum.”
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce