Call for proposals under the Africa - Ireland Agri-food Development Programme

11 -12 October 2018. Dublin Ireland. The 6th Africa Ireland Economic Forum organised by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade together with the African Embassies in Ireland, brought together business people and thought leaders and focused on strengthening trade links in the agri-foods sector.

#AIEF2018
A number of Tanzanian agri-food companies participated in the forum, including Alaska Tanzania and GBRI Business Solutions. Jennifer Bash, CEO of Alaska Tanzania, also addressed the session on "Women and Business - Pathways to Success," highlighting the skills that women can bring to senior leadership roles in companies, and her insights as a successful young entrepreneur.

There is an enormous potential for agriculture to transform African economies. Ireland's, agri-business development has been an integral part of Ireland's economic development and transformation story. Over a few decades, Ireland has grown from predominantly small scale subsistence farming, exporting primary production, to a sophisticated producer of high-end, value-added food. Over €1 billion worth of Irish food and drink is exported every month and over the last 7 years, Irish agri-food exports have increased by 56%, mainly driven by non-EU trade. 
Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister (Tanaiste) and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney T.D.

He announced an expansion and new call for proposals under the Africa Agri-food Development Programme, which is funded by the Irish Government. 

• The objective of the programme is to develop partnerships between the Irish Agri-Food Sector and African countries to support sustainable growth of the local food industry, build markets for local produce and support mutual trade between Ireland and Africa. 
• More information on the programme, including how to submit applications can be found at: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/aadp/
• Important: Only Irish Agri-Food companies can apply.
• Projects will be supported in the following countries – Botswana, Cóte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
• The closing date for the receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Friday, 30 November 2018.

Extract of the programme:

Agri-business in Action: Succeeding in new marketsThis panel explored the journey of companies operating in new markets, both within the EU and in Africa. Panellists reflected on strategies to meet 
the challenges of breaking into new markets.

• Mr. Francis Grogan (see picture)– Co-Founder and CEO, Zambeef Products, Zambia
• Mr. Marcel De Sousa – CEO, IPM Potato Group, Ireland
• Mr. Kevin Friel – International Marketing Director, Ornua, Ireland
• Ms. Pamela Anyoti Peronaci (see picture)– Managing Director, Asante Mama, Taste of Uganda

Women in Business, Pathways to success.Leading female entrepreneurs from both Ireland and Africa shared their stories, charting out the development of their various enterprises and offer an insight into their experiences on their journey to the top.

• Dr. Hoda Yassa (see picture)– President, Arab Women Investor’s Union, Egypt 
• Ms. Caroline Keeling – CEO, Keeling’s Food Group, Ireland
• Ms. Kunyalala Maphisa (see picture) – CEO, Sub-Saharan Concessions, South Africa

The AIEF was followed by further business to business discussions between Irish and Tanzanian companies at a Roundtable on Trade and Investment Opportunities in East Africa held on Friday 12th October at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mr Gilead Teri from the Tanzanian Private Sector Foundation delivered a presentation at the event on trade and investment opportunities in Tanzania. The programme also included a site visit for Tanzanian companies to a large Irish agri-food processor.