Museveni to open AgriBusiness Forum 2010

The AgriBusiness Forum 2010 will be held from 3-6 October at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort and is organised by the Brussels-based non-profit organisation EMRC in partnership with and under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of Uganda.

Addressing food security

The forum plans to host more than 400 public and private sector representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers, bankers, micro-finance institutions, farming organisations, NGOs, project developers and experts from over 60 countries worldwide to discuss the global concern of food security.

Uganda, the 'Pearl of Africa', was chosen as the host country for the AgriBusiness Forum 2010 following on from the event held in Cape Town, South Africa in 2009. Uganda's abundant fertile land, regular rainfall, favourable climate and soil conditions have all contributed to its growing food production progress, making it a good example of an agriculture-based economy and the ideal venue for the AgriBusiness Forum.

Food security issue as opportunity

The forum plans to approach the current food security issue as a promising opportunity for Africa's agri-business concerns and organisations throughout the continent to respond positively to the food security needs of Africa and other regions. Museveni will showcase Uganda's achievements to date and encourage the forging of further public-private, south-south and south-north partnerships.

Putting a positive African spin on the food security situation, the delegates at the AgriBusiness Forum 2010 will address topics such as the role of the private sector in improving access to food and increasing sustainable agricultural productivity, pre and post-harvest intervention, commodities, inputs and private sector growth in Africa. Dedicated business-to-business sessions and business networking events will enable the delegates to meet and find synergy for their business ideas and projects, promoting partnership-building.

EMRC-Rabobank Project Incubator Award

To encourage further development, innovation and entrepreneurship in the agro-food sector in Africa, participants will be eligible to enter their project ideas for the EMRC-Rabobank Project Incubator Award. The US$15,000 grand prize will be awarded to the proposal that best satisfies the entry criteria with a viable, dynamic idea that uplifts and impacts their community.

A robust pan-African turnout is expected with government officials and ministers from around the continent already confirming their attendance, leading strong business delegations. Along with Hope Mwesigye, Ugandan Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and General Kahinda Otafire, Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, EMRC invites delegates from Africa and around the world who share the common goal of boosting the agro-food sector across the continent to the AgriBusiness Forum 2010.

For more information, go to www.emrc.be.