OYAProgramme’s Post

Happning now in Harare🌱 As the official opening of the #SADCIndustrialisationWeek, the President of Zimbabwe highlighted the pivotal role of agribusiness in advancing the region's development. He stressed the significance of #innovationhubs and #agroindustrialparks in producing a wide range of products for domestic and export markets. Additionally, the President underscored the integration of regional value chains with global networks and the utilization of #crossborderresources. He emphasized the need to strengthen institutions and enhance skills development to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The vision includes encouraging #privatesector participation and the commercialization of #innovative products, especially those developed by the younger generation. This strategy aims to shift from sector-driven to investment-driven approaches, ultimately fostering #knowledgebasedeconomies. Providing #resposivefinancing regime to support industrialisation in the SADC region. #SADCIndustrialisationWeek #Agribusiness #Innovation #EconomicDevelopment #Zimbabwe #GlobalValueChains #PrivateSector #YouthInnovation #KnowledgeEconomy 🌍💼🌾

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainable economic development has become a necessity, with several large organisations undergoing #transformation programs to chart a path for #sustainability. Yet, despite the prevalence of these initiatives, many fall short of achieving their intended outcomes.   In our journey towards fronting sustainable economic #development, we partnered with USAID Feed the Future Inclusive Agricultural Markets Activity to build our teams’ capacity on Market Systems Development (MSD) Programming. This took place last week at the Golf Course Hotel – Kampala, attracting active participation from 25 Programs, Investment/ Access to Finance, and Research & Learning staff.   See how we are implementing sustainable solutions that spur economic growth at the bottom of the pyramid ---> https://lnkd.in/dYbenPXy. CC. Collins Apuoyo Kristin O'Planick BEAM Exchange Isabelle Gore TechnoServe MarketShare Associates Mike Albu Mustansir Barma John Rachkara Natandula Sylvia Al-Habib Onifade GIZ Uganda Uganda Market Systems Development Network Holly Krueger Omara Ayen

GPZ Government Outlook |GPZ Manifesto Excerpt| A government under Golden Party administration, Zambia will be well on the path to becoming a developed nation in Africa with: a) A new economic order that invests the nation’s wealth in its people based on a new mind-set of shared values. b) Radical economic diversification from a consumer importing nation to a producer and productive nation. c) Improved public service delivery system that is responsive to the needs of the Zambian people. d) Sustained development of new businesses and jobs through entrepreneurship, innovation and inventions across all sectors of the economy. e) Promotion of robust creative industry to fully utilise the potential of intellectual property. f) The best education system by achieving universal education up to tertiary level with content specialisation and computer literate communities. g) A self-sustainable diversified agricultural system with the employment ofconservation farming techniques. h) Most industrialised nation in Sub-Saharan Africa. i) Best infrastructure to aid trade, business and commerce within the region andbeyond. j) And an efficient decentralised governance and administrative system. #GPZ #Wealthandharmony #NextlevelZambia #RealChange

As we tend towards the end of the (2020/2021_2024/2025) National Development Plan 3, We continue to encourage our coffee farmers to consider the use of health coffee plantlets from the certified and verified sources by UCDA for maximum coffee production and productivity. As this is one of the ways we can boost the economy of Uganda in efforts to achieve the 2040 vision" transformation of Uganda from lower income country to the middle/upper income country.

As we tend towards the end of the (2020/2021_2024/2025) National Development Plan 3, We continue to encourage our coffee farmers to consider the use of health coffee plantlets from the certified and verified sources by UCDA for maximum coffee production and productivity. As this is one of the ways we can boost the economy of Uganda in efforts to achieve the 2040 vision" transformation of Uganda from lower income country to the middle/upper income country.

Kenya pioneers the import of machinery, agricultural products, and electronics from South Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In reciprocation, Kenya is set to export tea, coffee, fruits, and vegetables in the coming weeks. 🌐🌿 Leveraging AfCFTA for Zambia's Prosperity: 1. Debt Solutions through Investment: - AfCFTA can be a catalyst in addressing Zambia's debt challenges by attracting international investment and fostering economic expansion across the region. 2.Strategic Ratification and Implementation: - Zambia's early ratification and current implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement align with economic theories showcasing the benefits that small nations, like Zambia, reap from open trade. 3.Market Dynamics in Africa: - With the majority of African countries having populations below 50 million, the AfCFTA opens up opportunities for Zambia to tap into a larger collective market, fostering economic growth. 4.Harmonizing Regional Memberships: - The complexity of overlapping memberships in SADC and COMESA is being streamlined as AfCFTA builds on existing regional communities. This simplification ensures smoother integration for Zambia and all African nations. 5.Stimulating Production through Value Chains: - AfCFTA's emphasis on developing regional value chains holds promise for Zambia, as it stimulates production and encourages collaboration across borders. In embracing AfCFTA, Zambia embarks on a journey of economic collaboration, trade diversification, and sustainable growth. Let's navigate this transformative era together, unlocking opportunities for Zambia's SMEs and contributing to the continent's shared prosperity. #AfCFTA #TradeOpportunities #ZambiaGrowth #EconomicProsperity

It was a rich session of exchange, mutual learning, and high-level policy dialogue in Kampala, Uganda, where we recently launched the 13th report published by The Malabo Montpellier Panel. "YOUTH AHEAD: Policy Innovations to Create Opportunities for Young People in Africa's Agrifood Systems" posits that Africa's agrifood systems are an untapped market for youth employment and livelihoods, demonstrating that young people will be pivotal to transforming the continent's agrifood systems and attaining job, growth, and health goals. The report delves into key findings from case studies conducted in four systematically selected countries: Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It reviews these countries' policy and institutional innovations and programmatic interventions targeting youth in transforming their food systems. The report: https://lnkd.in/eRbpnS9K Press release: https://rb.gy/6xc9qf #AgrifoodSystems #YouthEmpowerment #Africa #FoodSystems #YouthVoice #JobsForYouth

We are proud to report some key highlights from our country operations as of 2023. 🌟 During this reporting period, FTMA observed: 🌾A 34% increase in the number of FSCs reached from 1898 In 2022 to 2,549 in 2023. These FSCs have provided support, linkages, services and market access to 615,043 SHFs (Comprising 49% women and 22% youth) across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia.   🌾Our efforts have positively impacted over 2.7 million household members, enhancing food security and livelihoods within the communities. 🌾SHFs accessed productivity-enhancing services worth over USD 24 Million through FSCs, leading to increased yield and better connectivity to structured offtake markets. These market linkages resulted in the aggregation of 130,768 metric tons (MT) of crops valued at USD 45,793,314.  🌾Consequently, this generated an average annual income of USD 931 (Kenya: USD 618, Rwanda USD 876, Tanzania USD 1690, Zambia USD 562) across the four countries.  Stay tuned to our pages for further updates and the release of our official report! #ftma #farmers #annualreport #2023 #impact #development #publicprivatepartnership 

Yesterday, we announced the first winners of the #USADFAccelerateGrant. This grant is a partnership between U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and Stanbic Uganda, and we are the implementing partner for the entire program. The primary goal of this initiative was to stimulate agricultural growth in Uganda by empowering SMEs and producer groups within the agricultural sector. In this first cohort, our focus was on supporting and catalyzing the development of these entities. The program this year is designed to spark a transformation in Uganda's agricultural value chain. Fourteen businesses were shortlisted, and out of those, twelve received grants totaling 400,000 USD. The following is a list of the businesses that received funding today: 1. Cheuvux Organique International 2. Select Chicken Uganda Limited 3. Krystal Ice 4. White Feathers Ranch Limited 5. Ntakye Holdings 6. Hfarms Uganda 7. African Mushroom Growers 8. Chrisgrow Uganda Limited 9. Emrich Agro-Ecological Farm Ltd 10. St. Mugagga Women's Development Association 11. Matching Needs Enterprises Ltd 12. Kwezi Coffee We extend our sincere appreciation to Stanbic Bank Uganda, USADF, and the Uganda Development Trust for their support in making this program possible. As part of Stanbic Business Incubator, our commitment to providing access to finance aligns with the core values of this initiative.

🔍 Agribusinesses are rejecting high-cost commercial financing options. The new AGRA report, "2023 Africa Agribusiness Outlook," surveyed 1,623 SME agribusinesses across Nigeria, Zambia, and Tanzania. The report reveals a significant trend: many agribusinesses are not using available financial options due to their high costs. Only 15% have opted for commercial capital, with the majority turning to family, friends, and business savings for support, which is slowing down their development. With the challenges of climate change, conflicts, and health crises, the agribusinesses adopted various strategies for resilience. The graphic below shows what were the most used strategies. At AlphaSeeds, we are committed to empowering SME agribusinesses by improving their resilience and offering better financing solutions. 💬 Let us know what you think in the comments! 📄 For more details, read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gZgkezJ6 #agribusiness #africa #sustainabledevelopment #impactinvesting #alphaseeds