The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in collaboration with AfreximBank, Autodex Nigeria Ltd (ANL), and Henan Qianli Machinery Co Ltd (QNL), has announced plans to host the inaugural edition of the Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies (FARMFATECH) programme, which aims to introduce advanced food processing solutions designed for Africa.
In a statement issued yesterday, the ACCI revealed that the programme, scheduled for November, will not only showcase cutting-edge agro-mechanization technologies but will also create an avenue to foster strategic partnerships within the agriculture industry.
The event is expected to serve as a vital platform for addressing key challenges in the sector while exploring opportunities for enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through technology and innovation.
According to Emeka Obegolu, President of the ACCI, the chamber remains fully committed to initiatives that support the growth of Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the agricultural sector. He emphasized that the FARMFATECH expo will offer an important forum for stakeholders eager to explore partnerships that enhance the agricultural value chain and improve financing models for the sector.
Obegolu also highlighted the role the expo will play in advancing agricultural marketing, an area crucial for the survival and growth of individuals, businesses, and governments. He expressed the ACCI’s dedication to ensuring that the event drives collaboration, builds capacity, and promotes effective marketing strategies within the agricultural ecosystem.
A major highlight of the event will be the keynote address by the President of AfreximBank, Okey Oramah. Professor Oramah’s presentation, titled “Agricultural Financing and its Value Chain in Nigeria and Africa,” will delve into the factors and activities that add value to agricultural products from the farm to the final consumer. His speech is expected to provide valuable insights into optimizing the agricultural financing process, a key component in driving sustainable growth in the sector.
The FARMFATECH expo aims to create a robust platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, explore potential collaborations, and identify investment opportunities.
The event is expected to attract a diverse range of participants, including government representatives from Nigeria and abroad, agricultural machinery manufacturers and suppliers, food processing technology companies, agribusiness entrepreneurs, investors, research institutions, academia, farmers, agricultural workers, trade associations, and industry experts.
In her remarks, Olayemi John-Mensah, media officer for the ACCI, outlined the wide range of benefits businesses and entrepreneurs in the agro-allied sector can derive from the event.
She noted that FARMFATECH will provide unique opportunities for technology transfer, content building, market access, and capacity development, with a focus on empowering stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. According to John-Mensah, participants will also benefit from expert insights and learn trade secrets specific to the agro-allied sector, making the event a valuable learning experience for all attendees.
Furthermore, the expo is expected to attract participation from various state governors across Nigeria, as well as agencies and financial institutions that have partnered with the states to promote agricultural development.