The conveners of the first West Africa Agribusiness Show (WAAS) say the show will explore the viable prospects of West Africa’s agro-commodity landscape and further enhance the agribusiness sector in the region and the continent at large.
WAAS is an annual exhibition intended to provide a platform through which innovations in technology, equipment, procedures, and processes in the agribusiness sector can be developed.
Mr Idowu Asenuga, chief Convener of the show in a statement, said the maiden edition with the theme “Accelerating Food Revolution in Africa”, will hold in Lagos from February 18th – 20th, 2020.
Asenuga revealed that the event was packaged to provide a knowledge-sharing base and fashion out critical pathways to solving Africa’s toughest challenges as it relates to food sufficiency and growth of the continent’s agriculture sector.
According to him, “The West Africa Agribusiness Show was conceptualised based on the need for West African countries to come together to showcase the rich agricultural heritage of their sub-continent and contribute to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Our target is to attract new prospects in agribusiness and make West Africa an investment hub for the agricultural and allied sectors,” he said.
Asenuga also pointed out that the event would spark radical development as stakeholders in the agricultural sphere will connect to share expertise to be deployed in the production and processing of agriculture-related products.
He added that the platform will create a leeway for the creation of employment in the different areas of the sector as well as enhance trade realities among West African countries.
WAAS, Asenuga further noted, will also provide an inclusive platform for the “voiceless” smallholder farmers to thrive.
The show will also provide participants with equal opportunity to enhance their brand visibility and establish business alliances with potential partners.
Farmers, agri-innovators, research organisations and stakeholders from fifteen countries across West Africa are expected to partake in the agribusiness show.