Private sector has key role to play in Africa’s agri export sector

The private sector has a key role to play in growing the agricultural sector on the continent. That’s the view of Dr Yemi Akinbamijo, executive director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa and chairman of the African Agri Council, who told delegates at a recent African Agri Investment Indaba in Cape Town that it was no longer necessary to wear the traditional garb of failure. “Rather change the narrative and work together to deliver on the potential of the agricultural and agri-processing sector in Africa. “The onus is on the private sector to help keep Africa food secure and increase trade,” he said. “For too long we have not been able to overcome the challenges around African food production. There is a strong opportunity for the private sector as we reposition ourselves and become the breadbasket of the world.” Akinbamijo said delivering on this mandate would require a coordinated strategy in which agriculture was taken forward. He said agriculture and the processing of agri goods offered unique opportunities for the continent. According to Ben Leyka, executive director of the African Agri Council, Africa is poised to play a significant role in ensuring global food security. But, he said, the continent could not take a silo approach and required a strategy where governments and the private sector worked together across the board, embracing innovation and sustainable agriculture practices. “Many might believe that Africa is wired to fail,” said Akinbamijo. “The truth is that to ensure we don’t fail, we require significant mitigation efforts that will have to see us working together as a continent.”