The Italian Agrifood Technology for Africa project, which was presented at the Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin (at the Kenya stand), brings together a network of Italian companies operating in agri-food supply chains with the aim of expanding their business in Sub-Saharan African countries.
The presentation, intended for African operators in relevant sectors, was attended by representatives from the network. Once again, the aim was to provide these operators with information on potential opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the challenges that Italian companies face when operating independently in the region.
The project coordinator, Renzo Piraccini, a manager with specialist knowledge of the fruit and vegetable sector and an in-depth understanding of the African continent, said: ‘It is evident that the agri-food sector is one of the most strategically significant and promising sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, driven by internal dynamics such as the need for greater food security, employment opportunities and economic growth, as well as export opportunities in foreign markets.’
In this context, the fruit and vegetable sector is particularly important, given that the population is growing rapidly (it currently stands at over 1.4 billion and is expected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050). In order to guarantee the availability of fresh produce at affordable prices, it is essential to establish an efficient and robust supply chain. The presentation provided an overview of the objectives of Italian Agrifood Technology for Africa: promoting the activities of its member companies through promotional and networking events; building a network of trusted representatives in various African countries to develop business and new projects; holding technical training sessions to provide commercial support to companies in the network; and selecting local personnel to join member company teams.
The network is also planning to start a few pilot projects focusing on industrial tomatoes (creating an efficient supply chain, from plant nurseries to processing plants), mangoes (building a prototype plant and processing centre), avocados (setting up a packaging centre with cooling chambers), and encouraging the development of
agricultural contracting (creating a network of operators providing paid services to African farmers).
Three hubs have been chosen for promotional events and events offering in-depth insights: Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya), and Johannesburg (South Africa). The first two dates have already been set: the first event is scheduled to take place in Dakar on 30 March and 1 April, and the second in Nairobi on 17 and 18 June. The network comprises 10 companies that specialise in various fields related to agriculture and agri-food processing, as well as associated services.
ARETE’ (a company that provides consultancy and market intelligence services)
F.C. ENGINEERING (design and construction of cooling systems for fruit and vegetable warehouses)
FERRARI GROWTECH (production and marketing of horticulture technology: transplanters, seeders, mulchers, weeders).
FUTURA (a leading Italian producer of fruit purées, available in single-use packaging and trays)
GREENEXTA (production and marketing of biostimulants, special fertilisers andbiocontrol products for professional agriculture)
IDROMECCANICA LUCCHINI (design, manufacture and installation of professional greenhouses)
IRRITEC (a world leader in precision irrigation)
SUBA SEEDS (a company that specialises in seed production and trade)
TROPICAL FOOD MACHINERY (design and construction of complete processing plants for all types of fruit and tomatoes)
UNITEC (a global leader in sorting and packaging technology for fruit and vegetables)
Furthermore, two partners have expressed an interest in promoting themselves in the Sub-Saharan region: the COFACE Group, a global leader in insurance and commercial information services, and CIBUS TEC, a triennial trade fair dedicated to technologies for the food industry.
