_edited.png)
Welcome2Africa International (W2A) is delighted to conclude its 5 days Agri-Finance Farm and Study Tour
On Monday, April 4, 2022, W2A delegates from Nigeria were warmly received by W2A partners in Germany, Mr. Andreas the Director of Executive Education of Frankfurt School of Finance and Management to mark the commencement of the 5-day Agri-Finance Study Program and Farm Tour in Frankfurt-Germany, organized by Welcome2Africa International (W2A) in collaboration with the Frankfurt School.
The goal of the program was to drive more knowledge with respect to financing and investing in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector. As well as fostering collaborations between W2A’a German partners and W2A’s Nigeria-based Agri-stakeholders.
The delegates and stakeholders included the program individuals of AFEX, Fidelity, DLM Capital Group, NIRSAL, GIZ, German Development Bank, Commerce Bank, and Truvis Agro Services Limited.
Our Goal
"Drive more knowledge with respect to financing and investing in Nigeria's Agricultural Sector"
We had representatives from
The program started with a lecture by Mr. Christian Heck on Agriculture and Agrifinancing in Germany. He began by explaining the financial sector and different initiatives in Germany such as the solar panel initiative. A takeaway from the lecture was the realization that the banking sector in Germany is shrinking with zero percent—sometimes even negative—interest rates and the long-term effects on the banking sector. Another takeaway was the aging population of farmers in the global agricultural sector as well as the mechanization of farms as a strategy used to encourage the inflow of younger people into farming.
It was highlighted during the lecture that the introduction of technology can increase optimization, automation, and productivity in the sector. In order for this to happen, it was made clear that there is a need for more infrastructural investment/financing to support and enable smallholder farmers, especially with the gap between government and farmers on the ground.
The highlight of the day was marked by a farm tour to three farms just outside the city center of Frankfurt, which includes Mehl KG a seed production farm of spring and winter barley and wheat as well as beans. They also visited a pig farm and flower/vegetable farm.
Despite the wind and the cold, the participants expressed their delight and excitement about the program. Through the five days, there will be more exciting lectures on Agri project financing, Agri value chain, digital Agri financing and bonds, and smallholder financing. The delegates will also have opportunities to engage with development agencies such as DEG, GIZ, and LWG coupled with more farm visits.
The CEO of Welcome2Africa International, Bamidele Seun Owoola expressed her delight over the program stating that the program is core to our commitment to promote and facilitate trade and investment. - with a special focus on Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector.
Welcome2Africa International remains open for collaboration. For more information, queries, or suggestion please do reach out to info@welcome2africaint.com