By Rafiq Nungor ADAM
The Executive Director of MBC Africa, Madam Tenemba Anna Samaké, has called on local investors to channel their resource into agribusiness, noting its potential to drive growth.
Speaking at the Agribusiness Festival (AgricFest) in Wa, Upper West Region, Madam Samaké highlighted the sector’s interdependence with all aspects of the economy and it reliance on human capital.
In 2024, MBC Africa launched the first edition of the Agribusiness Festival, code named AgriFest, to serve as the platform that brings together the key stakeholders to promote the growth of agribusiness in West Africa.
The goal of the AgriFest is to contribute to food security in West Africa and beyond by connection the various actors in the value chains to the resources they need to grow sustainably.
The AgriFest brought together participants from different countries within West Africa to participate, pitch their business ideas and exhibit their products.
The AgriFest was held under the theme ‘Human capital: The success factor in agribusiness’.
Madam Tenemba Anna Samaké, in her welcome statement, noted that local investors can drive growth by channelling resources into agribusiness.
“Agribusiness is an area where we have the potential to be a world leader, and African leadership must take notice. What we are trying to prove is that sometimes we don’t need external funding to achieve what we want; we have enough money in Ghana and we just need people willing to invest in agribusiness, which drives growth.”
The Executive Director also observed that agribusiness is one of the most effective ways to drive Africa’s development. “Developing agribusiness is one of the best ways to develop our countries, as it connects every sector of the economy, including the human factor.”
The Technical Director of World University Service of Canada, Joseph Apeeliga, who was the keynote speaker, in his address, stated that young people must be equipped with the skills that align with the demands of today’s market. “Education must go beyond concepts, and embrace practical, hands-on learning. Whether its agribusiness, agritech or sustainable farming practices, young people must be equipped with the skills that align with the demands of today’s market.”
Apeeliga added that inspiring the youth to view agriculture and business as wealth creation opportunities is crucial. “The mindset of our young people is equally important. We must inspire them to see agriculture and business ownership not just as a means of survival, but as opportunities to innovate and create wealth.
The President of the Zini Traditional Council and Vice President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Kuoru Abu Diaka Sukabe Ninian V, who chaired the occasion, admonished stakeholders that business cannot stand in isolation.
