AGRICULTURE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AIT 2021 | ONLINE

About AIT 2021

The Agriculture, Innovation & Technology Conference (AIT 2021) Virtual

The agricultural sector stands to play a key role in solving the numerous challenges that threaten stability and growth in many African countries post the COVID-19 pandemic. There is need for conversations around the link between agriculture, youth employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and inclusive economic growth.

The Agriculture, Innovation and Technology (AIT) Conference with the theme “Strengthening value chains by utilizing innovative technologies for inclusive economic growth and job creation in agriculture and agribusiness” is an event with a prepense approach for the creation of quality on-and off farm employment and self-employment opportunities for the African youth.

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Reasons To Attend AIT 2021

Education: Are you an expert interested in sharing your knowledge for the greater good? Do you want to learn how agriculture can be utilized as a remunerative or prestigious profession? Do you want to expand your knowledge on the untapped potential of innovative technology and its impact on agriculture?

Networking: Are you looking to connect to business or employment opportunities? Are you an investor looking for your next venture in agriculture and agribusiness? Are you an entrepreneur or student looking to start, grow, or expand your business? Do you want to learn how to create viable partnerships and business linkages?

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Target Audience

The AIT 2021 Conference participants will include:

Target groups:

  • Young women and men in rural, peri-urban and urban areas – notably producers, micro-small entrepreneurs, small-medium entrepreneurs, vulnerable and low-skilled youth, unemployed or under-employed, youth already engaged or potentially interested in venturing in agribusiness;
  • Value chain stakeholders in meso-level institutions (financial and non-financial) and business development service providers with a focus on the agriculture sector and agribusiness in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas;
  • Policy and decision-makers at the national level in relevant government and other public institutions, and continental/ sub-regional levels in apex and inter-governmental organizations.
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AIT 2021 - AGENDA
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About AIT 2021

The Agriculture, Innovation & Technology Conference (AIT 2021) Virtual

The agricultural sector stands to play a key role in solving the numerous challenges that threaten stability and growth in many African countries post the COVID-19 pandemic. There is need for conversations around the link between agriculture, youth employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and inclusive economic growth.

The Agriculture, Innovation and Technology (AIT) Conference with the theme “Strengthening value chains by utilizing innovative technologies for inclusive economic growth and job creation in agriculture and agribusiness” is an event with a prepense approach for the creation of quality on-and off farm employment and self-employment opportunities for the African youth.

The two-day virtual AIT 2021 conference, which will be held on the 21st and 22nd July, aims to gather 1000+ participants, 50 speakers, workshop facilitators, 20+ exhibitors and key economic actors, such as: Government delegations, Policy makers, African leaders, Investors, and the Private sector.

Topical and thematic issues to be covered at the event will be analyzing the role of the factors that pertain to the provision of opportunities for youth in Africa. These issues include the promotion of sustainability, value chains, food security, circular economy, the impact of technology, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), diversity and inclusion of women, as well as finance and policy development in agriculture and agribusiness.

The SensXAfrica AIT virtual conference strives to encourage the spirit of building sustainable partnerships, empowering the youth and young women in Agri businesses by providing an innovative and technologically friendly ecosystem needed for sustainable growth to stimulate job creation and take on emerging global markets.

Reasons To Attend AIT 2021

Education: Are you an expert interested in sharing your knowledge for the greater good? Do you want to learn how agriculture can be utilized as a remunerative or prestigious profession? Do you want to expand your knowledge on the untapped potential of innovative technology and its impact on agriculture?

Networking: Are you looking to connect to business or employment opportunities? Are you an investor looking for your next venture in agriculture and agribusiness? Are you an entrepreneur or student looking to start, grow, or expand your business? Do you want to learn how to create viable partnerships and business linkages?

Implementation: Are you interested in SensXAfrica’s support in your business endeavors post-conference? Are you interested in receiving updates, such as career, coaching and investment opportunities, and invitations to further networking events?

Impact: Join the conversation and become part of the OYA Programme network! The AIT 2021 Conference will run a special segment dubbed “IMPACT XChamp” tailored to disadvantaged youth (young women and men) in rural areas across Africa who depend on agriculture to support their educational needs, feed their families and contribute to their local communities. SensXAfrica, with the support of other stakeholders and partners, will announce the carefully selected nominees before the official closing ceremony.

*Workshop attendees will be awarded a digital Certificate of participation.

Target Audience

The AIT 2021 Conference participants will include:

arget groups:

  • Young women and men in rural, peri-urban and urban areas – notably producers, micro-small entrepreneurs, small-medium entrepreneurs, vulnerable and low-skilled youth, unemployed or under-employed, youth already engaged or potentially interested in venturing in agribusiness;
  • Value chain stakeholders in meso-level institutions (financial and non-financial) and business development service providers with a focus on the agriculture sector and agribusiness in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas;
  • Policy and decision-makers at the national level in relevant government and other public institutions, and continental/ sub-regional levels in apex and inter-governmental organizations.

Main counterparts:

  • Youth organizations and networks as well as public, private and civil society institutions working on agriculture and youth employment, including local authorities, producers, workers, migrant and business associations, etc.;
  • Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools;
  • Private sector companies and sectoral associations;
  • Pan-African and Intergovernmental Organizations, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs);
  • International Financial Institutions and other financial and non-financial service providers;
  • National governments – through relevant Ministries responsible for Agriculture, Employment, Rural Development, Trade and Industry, Economy and Finance, Youth, Labour, Migration, Women, Environment, and Education;
  • International Organizations – notably focusing on youth employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship development, agribusiness promotion, and rural development.

AGRICULTURE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (AIT 2021)

“Strengthening value chains by utilizing innovative technologies for inclusive economic growth and job creation in agriculture and agribusiness ”

Annual Conference

Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd July 2021

10am - 5pm CET: @Virtual

Language: English

In collaboration with

#WeNeedOYA#AIT2021

AIT 2021 | ONLINE AGENDA

All timings are in the Central European Time (CET)

Day 1: 21st July 2021

10:00 - 10:30 Official Opening Ceremony

Opening Remarks by – Mr. Songowayo Zyambo, Ministry of Agriculture, Permanent Secretary *On behalf of the President of the Republic of Zambia.

Key Note Speaker: Chief. Dr. Jewel Taylor, Vice President of Liberia

Key Note Speaker: Dr. Ladislaus Agbesi, Chairman at Pan African Business Forum, Benin

Statement by Mr. Li Yong, Director General, UNIDO (VideoMessage)

10:35 - 10:45 Presentation of Opportunities for Youth in Africa (OYA) Programme by UNIDO or FAO “Accelerating job creation in agriculture and agribusiness”

11:00 - 12:45 Panel Discussion: "Promoting sustainability through Agric value chains and foodsecurity"

Moderator: Mr. Malobi Ogbechie, Founder of Panafrican Traders, Nigeria
Chat Moderator – SensXAfrica

Speakers:

  • Ms. Nana Adjoa Sifa, Founder of Guzakuza, Ghana
  • Mr. Ikechukwu Kelikume, Senior Director, LBS Agribusiness, Nigeria
  • Mr. Jake Timm, CEO of Hakuna Group, Rwanda
  • Ms. Yvonne Lokko, Industrial Development Officer, Sustainable Food Systems Division (UNIDO)
  • Ms. Chiyedza Heri, Opulent Sipping, Zimbabwe
  • Mr. Shalom Bako, Subsaharan Group, Nigeria
  • Mr. Thebe Michel Mochochoko, CEO TAP Food, South Africa

Q & A Session: 15 mins

12:50 - 14:00 Workshop: “Promoting youth engagement and employment in agriculture andfood systems”.

Moderator: Ms. Milensu Kapaipi, Consultant FAO, Italy

  • Mr. Zuwa Matondo, Director of GovEnhance, Zimbabwe
  • Mr. Gugulethu Xaba, CEO Amandla Omnotho, South Africa
  • Mr. Steven Bernardus, Director Education Pillar, Namibia
  • Ms. Petrider Paul, African Union Youth Envoy, Tanzania
  • Dr. Tamara Kaunda Kunda, CEO of Billionaire Farmer Agric Solutions, Zambia

Q & A Session: 15 mins

Day 1: 21st July 2021

14:00 - 15:40 Panel Session : “What are the benefits of AfCFTA for the youth in agriculture?”

Moderator: Mr. Musaba Chailunga, Founder OOD Africa, Canada
Speakers:

  • Ms. Joy Zenz, CEO of Africa Women in Trade, Germany
  • Mr. Nkosinathi Nkosi, Founder at Agribusinesscorner, South Africa
  • Ms. Chisoma Lombe, Vice Chair Zambia Development Agency, Zambia
  • Mr. Taiwo Adepoju, CEO of Strengths Africa Ltd and AfCFTA Champion, Nigeria
  • Ms. Beatrice Chaytor, Senior Expert, AfCFTA Negotiations Support Unit. Ethiopia
  • Mr. Ken C Shawa, Lead Economist at International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • Mr. Pius McCafui, Agripreneur, Agric advocate,Ghana

Q & A Session: 15 mins

15:45 - 17:10 MasterClass: “The intricacies of Agricultural finance: Access to loans, investments, and financial management"

Workshop Facilitator: Mr. Loving Asibey Koranteng JA Ventures, Ghana and Ms. Melanie Keita, Melanin Kapital, Germany

Q & A Session: 15 mins

17:15 - 17:20 Call to Action , #AIT2021 is not just a conference; it is a movement!#WeNeedOYA #Sensxafrica

17:20 - 17:30 Closing Remarks: Ms. Larisa Miller, CEO of Phoenix Global LLC, USA

Day 2: 22nd July 2021

10:00 - 13:30 Industrial Innovation and Digitalization: The need for new business processes amid the COVID-19 pandemic

10:00 - 11:40 Session 1: Exploring the untapped potential of the circular economy

Moderator: Ms Fatoumata Diallo, Business consultant , United Kingdom

Speakers:

  • Mr. Oscar Aniette Ekponimo, CEO of Chowberry, Nigeria
  • Ms. Lubomila Jordanova, CO-Founder of Green Alliance, Germany
  • Ms. Christiane Holzinger, Investor National President of JCI,Austria
  • Mr. John Armah, CEO of J.A Ventures,Ghana
  • Mr. James Brazil, Author, USA
  • Ms. Patrizia Spada, Director Programme at Tamat, Italy
  • Ms. Nicolatte Anesu Matuku, RiskFlow and AAFL South Africa

Q & A Session: 15 Min Review by Ms. Mwape Mapulanga, Founder of Agropreneur, Zambia

11:45 - 13:30 Session 2: "Does the adoption of Technology pose a threat or an opportunity fordomestic Job creation?"

Moderator: Fatoumata Diallo, Business consultant , United Kingdom

Speakers:

  • Ms. Marisol G Montoya, Founder Chamber of commerce Norway-Columbia, Norway
  • Mr. Gilead Okolonwo, CEO Beepmagnet intl group, Nigeria
  • Ms. Mara Michelo, Founder of Jacaranda Hub, Zambia
  • Mr. Terry Igharoro, CEO of Inventory Club, United Kingdom
  • Mr. Siddhartha Parmar, Founder at IgnitoSPACE, Zambia
  • Ms. Yvette Gonzalez, Researcher at Intl Institute for Astronautical Sciences(IIAS),Germany

Q & A Session: 15 Min Review by Mr. Tafadzwa Shaun Bahela, Normady Agritech, Zimbabwe

13:35- 14:55 Panel Discussion: Opportunities for success: “Promoting new pathways andparticipation across socioeconomic lines to enhance social mobility, community and economicdevelopment”

Moderator: Calvin Jodisi, Founder of Asenti, Kenya

Speakers:

  • Mr. Tshiamo Dichabe, COO Africa Leadership Institute, South Africa
  • Mr. Tarik Mounim, Ambassador of Hub Africa, Morocco
  • Ms. Adepeju Jaiyeoba, Lawyer and Entrepreneur, Nigeria
  • Ms.Betelhem Fikre, Co-founder and COO at Zafree, Ethiopia
  • Mr. Josiah Eyison, Founder Ispace, Ghana
  • Ms. Zindaba Hanzala, Mulimi, Zambia
  • Ms. Chola Lungu, Executive Director MYMR, Sweden

Q & A Session: 15 mins

Day 2: 22nd July 2021

14:45 - 15:30 IMPACT XChamp Award Segment

Remarks by: Mr.Ahmard Vital ,Youth Mentor, USA Dr Maureen Mwanawasa, Former first lady of Zambia, Lawyer

Presenter: Ms. Bibusa Wißemann, CEO and Founder, SensXAfrica, Germany Ms. Thato Mkohothu, Chair at Miriam Makeba Centre for girl

15:30 - 15:35 Event Summary Opinion Poll

15:35 - 15:40 Call to Action, #AIT2021 is not just a conference, it is a movement!,#WeNeedOYA, SensXAfrica

15:40 - 16:00 Closing Ceremony

Closing Remarks: Ms. Justina Mutale, Founder Justina Mutale Foundation

16:00 Close of the AIT 2021 Event!