Tanzanian Agriculture and Livestock Ministers at Opening of Agribusiness Congress East Africa in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, January 18, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Tanzania’s ministers of Agriculture Food Security and Cooperatives, Honourable Eng. Christopher Chiza, and of Livestock and Fisheries, Honourable Dr. Titus Kamani Mlengeya, will address the opening session of the upcoming Agribusiness Congress East Africa in Dar es Salaam on 28 January. Some 800 agriculture experts are expected at the conference and exhibition to focus on finance, best practice and sustainability in the region’s blossoming farming sector.

Agribusiness investment destination
“East Africa is increasingly seen as an agribusiness investment destination with more than with more than $3.4 billion being invested in Tanzania alone,” says Liam Beckett, Agribusiness Congress East Africa event director.

He continues: “other countries that are showing strong growth in this sector are Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, Liberia, Kenya and Ethiopia. This development requires the agri sector to adapt to new technology, be open to innovations and modernise their farming techniques. Fortunately, finance for farmers to purchase new equipment and insurance for this and existing equipment is becoming more readily available to the farming industry, as banks and finance houses are re-investing in the business sector.”

Beckett adds: “at Agribusiness Congress East Africa we once again look forward to bringing together key public and private stakeholders, from across the East African agricultural sector and facilitating the discussions on the latest developments and challenges in our sector.”

The conference opening session on 28 January:
• 09h00 Welcome from Agricultural Council of Tanzania
Dr Sinare Y. Sinare, Chairman, Agricultural Council of Tanzania
• 09:15 Ministerial welcome: The future of agriculture in East Africa
Honourable Eng. Christopher Chiza (MP), Minister of Agriculture Food Security and Cooperatives, United Republic of Tanzania
• 09:30 Ministerial Address
Honourable Dr. Titus Kamani Mlengeya, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development, United Republic of Tanzania
• Keynote Address: Building momentum to grow agricultural development in East Africa
Mercy Karanja, Senior Program Officer/Senior Regional Advisor –East Africa Agricultural Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, United States

Sector support
Some 800 agriculture experts are expected at Agribusiness East Africa which will represent the entire agribusiness spectrum: from input suppliers, agro-processors, traders, exporters, retailers, commercial farmers, processors, policy makers to government and associations.

Supported by the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, and hosted by the Agricultural Council of Tanzania, Agribusiness East Africa enjoys endorsement from several prominent private and public sector stakeholders throughout the East African region.

Conference
The Agribusiness East Africa conference programme covers topics such as: East Africa as an Agribusiness Investment Destination; Driving the business mind-set in the East African farming community; Finance; Post-harvest losses and sustainable practices; and empowering emerging farmers.

More leading speakers include:
• Stephen Muchiri, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern African Farmers Federation, Kenya
• Felix Mosha, Chairman, East African Business Council, Tanzania
• Geoffrey Kirenga, Chief Executive Officer, SAGCOT, Tanzania
• Gerald Masila, Executive Director, Eastern African Grain Council, Kenya
• Carter Coleman, Chairman, Kilombero Plantations, Tanzania
• Jacqueline Mkindi, Executive Director, Tanzania Horticulture Association, Tanzania

Expo shows local and global agri solutions
The indoor and outdoor exhibition at Agribusiness East Africa will feature a number of leading solutions providers of innovative agriculture related products. Delegates and visitors will have the opportunity to meet with these companies and others to discuss their needs.

Innovation and technology will be at the forefront of the exhibition where some of the leading suppliers in the industry will display their services and solutions. Over 40 leading local and international companies are showcasing their solutions, including Impo, Monsanto, Lonagro, John Deere, Syngenta, Afrivet, Ari Trading Post and FMD. The expo also features a German pavilion with well-known agri suppliers including Claas, Grimme and Pottinger.

Agribusiness East Africa dates and location:
Conference opening: 28 January, 09h00
Conference: 28-29 January
Exhibition: 28 January, 09h00-17h00, 29 January, 09h00-15h30
Serena Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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