AGRIFOOD
AFRICA
A network of Italian companies promoting
the development of the agri-food sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
AGRIFOOD AFRICA
is a network of Italian companies operating in the agri-food sector that have joined forces to increase their presence in Sub-Saharan Africa. These companies specialise in various fields related to agriculture and food processing, as well as the associated services. They have the necessary expertise and are well organised, with international experience that enables them to operate in major fruit and vegetable supply chains.
THE PROJECT AIMS TO:
Promote the activities carried out by member companies by holding presentations and providing networking opportunities.
Build a network of trusted representatives in African countries (importers of agricultural machinery, inputs and processing technologies), with whom new activities and projects can also be developed.
Hold technical training sessions for local agronomists to encourage the adoption of good agricultural practices, and provide commercial support to companies in the network.
Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of producing seeds locally, especially tomatoes, and the raw materials required for producing biostimulants from plant by-products.
Find logistics and distribution partners.
Select personnel from the local area to join teams at member companies in order to carry out internships in Italy.
PILOT PROJECTS TO EXPERIENCE THE VERY BEST OF ITALIAN TECHNOLOGYFIRST-HAND
The core focus of AGRIFOOD AFRICA is on planning and implementing pilot plants and demonstration centres designed to proactively disseminate cutting-edge Italian technologies that are currently being used in the fruit and vegetable sector, specifically in the fresh produce market and the industrial processing sector. These installations will subsequently be used to train personnel.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS:
INDUSTRIAL TOMATO
Despite favourable conditions for growing industrial tomatoes in Sub-Saharan Africa, the region imports large quantities of processed tomatoes. The aim of AGRIFOOD AFRICA is to establish a small and efficient supply chain for tomatoes destined for processing. In other words, a state-of-the-art plant nursery and industrial cultivation facility equipped with irrigation and mulching systems, as well as a processing plant for collecting seeds and using the skins to extract raw materials for biosolutions.
MANGO
Mangoes are a very common fruit in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although there are many native varieties with an excellent flavour, they are very fibrous and therefore not suitable for sale as fresh fruit. Mango plants are neither grafted nor irrigated, and they are usually quite tall, which can make harvesting challenging. The aim is to establish a state-of-the-art facility with localised irrigation systems and plants that have been grafted onto rootstocks with suitable varieties to reduce their vigour. A processing centre is to be built, comprising a fruit sorting and packaging line, in addition to rapid cooling chambers and a pulp processing line.
AVOCADO
The avocado production sector is proving to be one of the most commercially lucrative and promising supply chains in the African fruit and vegetable industry. Many countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe, are increasing their production, the majority of which is successfully exported. The aim is to establish a state-of-the-art packaging centre equipped with rapid cooling chambers, fruit sorting and packaging technology, and a facility for assembling cardboard boxes.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING
A key factor in the growth of the agricultural sector in Africa is the establishment of a network of operators who can provide local farmers with processing services and other services for a fee, as required.
AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING OFFERS FARMERS SEVERAL ECONOMIC AND ORGANISATIONAL ADVANTAGES:
Reduced investment costs for agricultural machinery, which is usually expensive and is often only used for a few weeks each year.
Lower management and maintenance costs.
Time savings and simplified work processes.
Cost optimisation for small companies.
This is somewhat revolutionary,
given that these services are not widely available in Africa, whereas most agricultural machinery in Europe is operated by contractors.
OPERATIONAL STRATEGY: THE HUBS
The project encompasses three strategic hubs for hosting promotional and networking events with local stakeholders, as well as technical and scientific events offering in-depth insights and featuring international experts. These hubs will also serve as bases for conducting activities in neighbouring countries that speak the same language and have similar agricultural supply chains.
