Technology the key to growth in agri sector

Sub-Saharan Africa’s
agribusiness holds significant
potential for growth but
keeping abreast of – and
adopting – new technology is
key to success.
According to Frans
Weilbach, agribusiness
industry leader for PwC Africa,
technological innovation will
act as a catalyst in lifting
agribusiness in Africa to the
next level.
“Already we have seen some
significant advances that are
already revolutionising the
agricultural sector – such as
chemical-free pest control,
water-saving sensors, precision
drones as well as farming
automation and management
systems,” he said.
Weilbach said farmers
in sub-Saharan Africa
however faced some very
real challenges, including an
ongoing drought affecting
crops and the need for more
investment.
“Surveys with agribusiness
leaders and agricultural
experts show that optimism is
very high despite the current
tough economic climate,” he
said. “But, to sustain growth, it
is critical that the agricultural
sector adapts to change and
that agribusinesses have
strategies in place to deal
with current as well as future
trends.”
This includes introducing
new and improved
technology while at the same
time remaining ahead of
developments.
At present access to
technology is prioritised as the
biggest barrier to growth in the
sector with many businesses
often struggling to find new
technological solutions or
to maintain the necessary
support once technology has
been implemented.
“Also, finding the right
solutions tailored to their
particular needs can be
challenging,” said Weilbach.