Half Year Review by the CEO: AFAP's Landmark Achievements in 2024
The first half of 2024 has been a period of significant progress and achievement for the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP). Our efforts have been marked by pivotal events, strategic partnerships, and groundbreaking initiatives that underscore our growth as an institution.
One of the most notable milestones was the inaugural African Hub Agro-Dealer Development Conference (HADC) held in June at the Kigali Marriott Hotel in Rwanda. This landmark event attracted over 200 delegates from more than 25 countries, fostering networking and promoting sustainable growth in Africa’s agricultural landscape. The conference featured a comprehensive program with 60 speakers, including industry leaders and knowledge experts who provided deep insights into the agricultural inputs sector.
A highlight of HADC was the launch of the African Fertilizer Trade Credit Guarantee Program (AFTCGP). Developed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the AFTCGP aims to enhance financial access within Africa’s agricultural sector by providing a safety net for fertilizer suppliers. This initiative is poised to bolster supplier credit across multiple African nations, facilitating increased trade and investment in agricultural inputs.
The conference also featured strategic roundtables, master classes on revenue-enhancing technologies, and breakfast sessions that addressed the roles of women and youth in the agri-inputs sector. The event culminated in the 2nd Annual Hub Agro-Dealer of the Year Awards (HAYA), which celebrated the exceptional contributions of Hub Agro-dealers across Africa.
In addition to HADC, AFAP made significant strides across various regions:
- AFAP Ghana was honored for “Innovation in Agribusiness and Impact” at the 2024 Ghana Outstanding Business Achievements Awards (GOBAA) and won the 2024 African Hub Agro-Dealer of the Year Award.
- AFAP Uganda hosted a successful Farmer Field Day in Lira District, introducing new products and innovative farming techniques to smallholder farmers.
- AFAP Tanzania organized Farmer Field Days to introduce new Bayer products and share improved farming techniques.
- AFAP Malawi supported the launch of a booklet on agricultural diversification and commercialization incentives, led by the Minister of Agriculture.
- AFAP South Africa celebrated Sandra Pires’ appointment to The Fertilizer Show 2025 Advisory Board, highlighting our commitment to leadership in the agricultural industry.
- AFAP Zambia showcased the collaborative efforts between the Zambia and Malawi country managers at the AID-I Regional Learning Event and participated in the USAID Feed the Future Accelerator Project Launch event.
- AFAP Kenya was represented by Sheila Keino at the IFAMA 2024 Conference in Spain, where she discussed sustainable models for smallholder farming.
- AFAP Mozambique launched the AfDB-funded Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) program to boost fertilizer access for smallholder farmers.
These achievements reflect AFAP’s dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in Africa’s agricultural sector. We extend our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, partners, and participants for their unwavering support and commitment to our mission.