A Platform for Agricultural Transformation
The Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC), in collaboration with its partners, is set to host the second edition of the Agricultural Innovation for Africa (AIA) Conference. Scheduled for August 28 and 29, the event will take place at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and aims to foster innovation and sustainable practices within Africa's agricultural sector.
Empowering the Future of Agriculture
This year’s conference is themed “Empowering Youth Startups and Agri-MSMEs in Africa: Addressing Climate Change, Innovative Financing, Market Efficiency, and Gender Mainstreaming for Sustainable Food Systems.” The event will focus on creating inclusive pathways for young entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the agricultural value chain, particularly in the face of climate challenges.
Key Highlights: Interactive Sessions and Thought Leadership
AIA 2024 promises to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the agricultural sector. The conference will feature a series of interactive panel sessions with speakers from various fields, including policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and startup ecosystems. These sessions are designed to inspire discussions on sustainable and innovative practices essential for advancing Africa's agricultural potential, with an emphasis on climate resilience, market efficiency, and gender inclusivity.
Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC, emphasized the significance of the conference, stating, “The AIA Conference underscores KIC’s commitment to harnessing innovation and collaboration to address the challenges and opportunities in Africa's agricultural sector. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we aim to inspire actionable solutions and foster a sustainable future for agriculture in Africa.”
Additional Events: Deal Room, Exhibition, and Youth Career Fair
Alongside the main conference, several other events will provide additional value to participants:
Deal Room: A platform where startups and Agri-MSMEs can pitch their business ideas to potential investors, offering them opportunities to scale and grow their ventures.
Exhibition: A showcase of cutting-edge technologies and solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability in agriculture across the continent.
Youth Career Fair: Organized in collaboration with Jobberman Ghana and in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and Agri-Impact Limited, this fair will provide employability skills training for young people. It will also link job seekers with employers in the agriculture and related sectors.
A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
The AIA Conference, expected to attract over 500 participants, is a collaborative effort supported by Kosmos Energy, AGRA, the International Trade Centre, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and IDH. This event represents a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by Africa's agricultural sector while empowering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs and innovators.
