Mr. Omar Roushdy, International Business Development Director of GIT-ZONE International, spoke officially at the main panel discussions of trade and Investment forum in Intra-African Trade Fair IATF 2023 . the discussion panel was entitled “Ensuring Food Security through Agricultural Productivity and Intra-African Trade.” explaining the challenges and investment opportunities to raise productivity and better develop intra-African and global agricultural value chains. As, he believes that a comprehensive food system is essential to ensuring food security in Africa. Food processing can help to improve the shelf life and nutritional value of food and gradually paves the road for the emergence of African Brands.
His Recommendations from his standpoint were summarized as follows :
-Invest in agricultural research and development to develop new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases, and that are better suited to African conditions.
-Provide farmers with access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs along with Technological solutions as bulk seeding and smart irrigation systems.
-Support the development of food processing industries in Africa.
by taking these steps, we can create a more sustainable and resilient food system in Africa that will help to ensure food security for all.
– Support small-holder farmers that are currently producing more than 70% of the continent’s Agricultural output.
We are sure that AfCFTA Secretariat and African Union with Afreximbank are addressing the challenges with a brilliant approach to help accelerating the economic development of Africa and increase collaboratively the Intra African trade towards 100% self-sufficiency.
