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Agbiz CEO keynote speaker at the Africa Forum in Brussels (European Commission)
 The Africa Forum in Brussels, also known as Mazungumzo, held its annual Forum meeting at the Thon EU Hotel in Brussels on the 8th of October 2013, with the theme Innovation and competitiveness in African agriculture. The Africa Forum is a think tank group within Brussels that engages with the European Commission at the highest level to in order to promote the interests of Africa within the European Commission to ensure a more favourable policy environment for the continent as a whole. Research and innovation in technology and market organisation can make significant contributions in Africa's fight against poverty and food insecurity, and offer its agro-food sector new opportunities in global markets. At the same time, they can guarantee that African products respond to Europe's high health and environment standards, which will also increase their competitiveness in Europe and in other markets globally, not least due to changing purchasing patterns among emerging middle classes. Research and innovation are mutually dependent, because the investments need proper market size and functioning to deliver a return. If the European Partnership Agreements are to deliver on hope created and promises made, then research and innovation in Africa's agriculture need to be increased and agricultural markets reformed. This will require cooperation between the private and public sector and an innovative, inclusive approach by the European and African Union Commissions and Governments. However, research and innovation are complex processes which require deliberate government policies to create enabling framework conditions for both companies, and smallholder farmers, to facilitate innovation and to provide targeted funding. African countries have not yet developed such comprehensive innovation policies, weakening thus their long term competitiveness. Given the importance and potential of their agro-food sectors, research and innovation should be a top priority for them and should receive a stronger place in African-European cooperation. Please peruse the keynote address of Dr John Purchase, the address of Dr Leonard Mizzi, Head of Agriculture and Rural Development Unit in the European Commission (important info on the EU's Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) included), and the programme of the day, for further detail.
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Unlocking Investment in Agricultural Development through CAADP: What is the perceived role of South Africa's agribusiness sector in Africa?
 Between 7th and 8th October 2013, in Lusaka Zambia, Agbiz participated in a workshop that aimed at identifying the imperatives and opportunities for increased private sector engagement on CAADP processes. This strategy meeting was held to complement past and on-going initiatives and efforts supporting Africa's agribusiness sector. The value proposition of the meeting was underlined by its emphasis on action and implementation of policies and programmes, drawn from a consensus of the guiding principles and framework for private sector participation. More»
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National Water Policy Consultation Workshop
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Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
The Office of the U.S. Embassy Pretoria, South Africa
USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service introduces hereby President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Washington Fellowship program. Agriculture, and rural development are a focus of the initiative. YALI is a long-term effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders and strengthen partnerships between the U.S. and Africa. The YALI Fellowship will bring 500 young leaders, between the ages of 25-35 and have a proven record of leadership and accomplishment, to U.S. universities and colleges for academic and leadership training, beginning in 2014, with the goal of increasing to 1000 participants per year within five years.
Please visit this website http://youngafricanleaders.state.gov/ for more information on the program, and to sign up to receive an update notification as soon as an online application is made available on or about December 2013. The other option is to keep visiting the website to check the availability of the application form which can only be completed on line.
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Apply now for the Agribusiness Centenary Bursary
 Agbiz is making an annual bursary of R25 000 available to a South African student registered for a Masters or PhD degree in either agricultural economics or agribusiness management, at any recognised South African university. Closing date for applications: 10 December 2013. More information»
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