THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Berlin is set to host the 11th German-African Agribusiness Forum on 20 January 2025. Under the theme “Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development through Regional Adaptation and Innovation”, the event will convene policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders from Africa and Germany to explore transformative strategies for agricultural development.
The forum, organized by the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein) and the German Agribusiness Alliance, is held under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Keynote addresses will be delivered by Cem Özdemir, Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, and HE Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission.
Focus Areas
This year’s discussions will delve into critical issues affecting agriculture and rural development, including:
- Enhancing agricultural value chains to boost rural economies
- Innovations in African agricultural policy
- EU-African agri-food trade relations
- Sustainable livestock farming practices
- Adoption of regenerative agriculture and agroecological approaches
- Improving farmers’ access to essential equipment and inputs
Notable Participants
A lineup of distinguished African ministers of agriculture has confirmed attendance, showcasing the event’s importance as a platform for intercontinental collaboration. Among them are:
- Hon. Ir. Prosper Dodiko, Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock, Burundi
- Hon. Daniel Siméon Kelema, Minister of Agriculture, Mali
- Hon. Mohamed Abdi Hayir, Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation, Somalia
- Hon. Mzwanele Nyhontso and Hon. John Steenhuisen, Ministers from South Africa
- John Mulongoti, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Zambia
Advancing German-African Partnerships
Germany and Africa share a dynamic trade relationship, with agriculture playing a pivotal role. Germany has been instrumental in providing technological expertise, investment, and policy support to bolster Africa’s agricultural productivity and sustainability. In return, African nations supply a variety of agricultural products to the German market, contributing to the diversity and richness of Germany’s food industry.
The forum serves as a critical venue for discussing challenges and opportunities within this trade partnership, addressing issues such as market access, trade policies, and the integration of sustainable practices. By bringing together key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders and experts, the event aims to strengthen economic ties and promote mutual growth in the agribusiness sector.
The German-African Agribusiness Forum, now in its 11th edition, has established itself as a premier platform for fostering collaboration between Germany and African nations in the agricultural sector. Organized by the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein) and the German Agribusiness Alliance, the forum has consistently focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing value chains, and encouraging innovation to drive rural development across the African continent.
Participation and Accreditation
Participants are encouraged to secure their accreditation by January 16, 2025. For further information and the full program, visit www.agribusiness-africa.de.
Sola Jolaoso
