Reardon and Liverpool-Tasie presented on rapid rise of agrifood processing in Africa at FARA Africa Agribusiness Science Week

Michigan State University University Distinguished Professor, Tom Reardon, and Michigan State University Foundation Professor Saweda Liverpool-Tasie spoke at the Africa Agribusiness Science Week in Durban, South Africa.

Durban, South Africa, June 6, 2023 - Michigan State University University Distinguished Professor, Tom Reardon, and Michigan State University Foundation Professor Saweda Liverpool-Tasie spoke at the recently concluded Africa Agribusiness Science Week organized by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). The event, themed "Linking Science, Innovation, and Agri-Business for Resilient Food Systems," took place from June 5th to 8th, 2023, at the International Conference Centre in Durban, South Africa.

Professors Reardon and Liverpool-Tasie’s speech, titled "The Rapid Rise of Agrifood Processing Agribusiness in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges, and Policy Implications," provided valuable insights into the transformative growth of agribusinesses in Africa driven by technological advancements and innovation. With agriculture being the backbone of African economies for centuries, the recent explosion in agribusinesses presents significant opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed through appropriate policies.

The presentation was given at a European Union and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) FARA side event with more than 50 participants online in addition to in-person participation. The FARA Africa Agribusiness Science Week was a premier event that aimed to foster partnerships and collaboration among innovators, researchers, technology developers, private sector representatives, investors, and policy-makers. Over 1,000 delegates, including more than 65% international participants, attended the event. It featured various sessions, workshops, and side events that explored the event's theme and how to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Michigan State University congratulates Professors Reardon and Liverpool-Tasie on his successful participation in this prestigious speaking engagement and remains committed to promoting research, innovation, and partnerships that contribute to the development of resilient food systems in Africa and beyond.

Watch the recording of the speech here:

 

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