PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Session n°15: Technological innovations supporting agrifood value chains in Africa

Discover technological innovations in the agrifood sector that African farmers and entrepreneurs have developed and/or adopted to support the development of value chains in the next PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Session. The online session will be held on Thursday 9 November 2023 – 12:00-14:00 UTC / 13:00-15:00 CET, and will have live interpretation in English-French-Portuguese. 

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Technological innovations can equip smallholders and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary tools to support climate resilience, improve productivity, manage natural resources sustainably and be a catalyst of agrifood systems transformation. However, SMEs and entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector face challenges in their adoption in terms of initial investment, technological skills, and data privacy. These challenges can hinder their ability to compete effectively and realize the full benefits of modern technology. 

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government policies, financial institutions, capacity-building programmes, and industry stakeholders. Initiatives to provide affordable financing, improve digital literacy, develop technology infrastructure, and streamline regulatory processes can help smallholders and SMEs overcome these obstacles and fully harness the benefits of technological innovation in their operations. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation and promoting the value of technology adoption among these businesses is crucial for their long-term success and competitiveness in the modern business landscape. 

In the next Innovations Session, value chain actors will present how their technological innovations support unlocking the full potential of the African agrifood sector. Innovations range from food processing technologies, cooling systems, packaging technology and precision agriculture methods to mobile money and E-commerce platforms. Their versatility reflects the importance of adapting technologies and innovations to local needs, opportunities, and constraints, to ensure they are accessible to all who want to adopt them. 

Join the discussion on Thursday 9 November 2023!

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme implemented by COLEAD as part of the development cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.

This publication has received financial support from the EU and the OACPS. The contents are the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the EU or the OACPS.