Africa’s agricultural sector continues to face a serious funding shortfall, estimated between US$65bn and US$80bn each year, with current investment covering less than a third of what is needed

Against this backdrop, the 2026 African Agri Investment Indaba set out a clear message that the focus must shift from small scale trials to real, lasting expansion.

Taking place in Durban from 16 to 18 November 2026, the event centred on the theme: "Scaling for Impact: Transforming Private Sector Commitments into Zero Hunger Realities."

Organised by the African Agri Council, the Indaba highlighted that while the platform has successfully linked investors with agricultural projects over the years, the real challenge now lies in turning those connections into measurable outcomes. With the United Nations goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 fast approaching, the urgency to act has become impossible to ignore.

Across the continent, many agricultural ideas have shown promise but failed to grow beyond limited reach. Projects often succeed on small farms or within tight communities, yet struggle to expand to the level required to feed entire populations. The issue is not innovation, but the ability to scale it effectively.

There was also a strong emphasis on the gap between promises and delivery. While private sector pledges have increased, they have not always translated into actual funding or implementation. The Indaba aimed to bridge this divide by encouraging practical deals and structured investment pipelines rather than broad commitments.

To tackle these challenges, the 2026 event introduced four focused forums addressing key parts of the value chain, including market access, trade finance, agro processing infrastructure, and executive leadership. Each session was designed to remove barriers that prevent growth, from limited access to buyers and funding to weak logistics and operational challenges.

Following feedback from the previous year’s event in Cape Town, the programme was reshaped to include more direct investment opportunities. New formats such as Investment Discovery Sessions and a dedicated Lenders Lounge created space for real business discussions between financiers and agribusinesses.

Durban was selected as the host city due to its strong transport links and growing infrastructure, making it a strategic hub for agricultural trade. With early registration already open, the event was expected to attract a wide mix of investors, business leaders, and industry experts, all focused on turning ambition into action.

VIV Worldwide is entering a new phase of global development with the appointment of Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs | VNU Group.

The move signals a renewed focus on expanding the international reach of the VIV brand and strengthening its role as a leading platform for the global livestock and agrifood industry. The announcement also comes at an important time as preparations gather pace for major upcoming VIV events around the world.

The appointment arrives just months ahead of VIV Europe 2026, which will take place from 2 to 4 June at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. This edition is particularly significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, one of the most recognised trade gatherings for professionals across the feed to food chain. At the same time, the organisation is also preparing to launch VIV Select India, which will make its debut from 22 to 24 April in New Delhi, opening new opportunities in one of the fastest growing livestock markets.

Hall’s promotion reflects the organisation’s confidence in her leadership and international outlook. Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, emphasised the impact she has already made within the organisation. "From the very start of her time at Jaarbeurs in 2025, Natasha has made a clear mark on the development of VIV Asia, where her international work experience and strategic vision contributed to growth, positioning and market connection. Her new role sets her up for the next step within the organisation and for further developing VIV as a globally leading B2B platform for the poultry and livestock sector."

In her new role, Hall will oversee the complete global VIV portfolio across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and Africa region. Her responsibilities include the international VIV trade shows along with VIV Connect and the VIV Trade Forums. A key priority will be expanding the global network of exhibitors, visitors and industry partners while strengthening the international visibility of the VIV brand.

With more than a decade of experience in the exhibitions industry in Dubai, Hall brings strong international expertise to the role. "I see VIV as a unique global platform that brings together the entire feed to food chain, and I consider that integrated approach to be an important differentiating strength," said Hall.

Her appointment also comes during a milestone year for the brand. VIV Europe 2026 will celebrate its 25th edition and will also mark the decision to move the event to a biennial schedule from 2028 onwards. "VIV Europe has grown into a reliable and forward-looking platform where strategy, technology and business come together. The anniversary edition in June will once again bring hundreds of international exhibitors and thousands of professionals from the global feed to food chain to Utrecht — a recognised hub for agrifood innovation, science and sustainable chain development."

Nigeria is grappling with a widening gap between palm oil production and local consumption, as demand continues to outpace supply

The Federal Government recently revealed that the country produces about 1.4 million metric tonnes of palm oil each year, while domestic demand has risen beyond 2.5 million metric tonnes.

This concern was highlighted by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during a stakeholders meeting in Abuja focused on strengthening Nigeria’s palm oil production capacity. Represented by his senior technical assistant, Ibrahim Alkali, the minister described the gathering as an important moment for clear direction and collective action to revive the sector.

Reflecting on the past, Mr Kyari noted that Nigeria once dominated the global palm oil market in the 1960s, contributing over 40 per cent of worldwide supply. At that time, palm oil played a central role in exports, rural livelihoods and industrial growth. However, the country’s output has steadily declined over the years.

“Today, Nigeria produces approximately 1.4 million metric tonnes of palm oil annually, while domestic demand exceeds 2.5 million metric tonnes,” he said.

The resulting shortfall of more than one million metric tonnes each year has forced the country to spend heavily on imports.

“What this means is that we are exporting opportunities and importing what we have the capacity to produce,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Nigeria holds significant potential. The country has over three million hectares of land suitable for oil palm cultivation, much of which remains unused. At the same time, global demand for palm oil continues to expand, with the market valued at more than 70 billion dollars annually across industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and biofuels.

Mr Kyari stressed that the issue is not a lack of resources but the need for stronger coordination and scaled efforts. He added that the government is prioritising agriculture as part of its broader economic diversification plan and is working to reposition the sector through a validated national development strategy.

Stakeholders at the meeting echoed the need for collaboration, with a shared goal of boosting production, supporting rural economies and improving food security.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a fresh step towards improving its dairy sector through a new agreement with Nestlé Nigeria Plc.

This partnership will lead to the creation of a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at strengthening local production and improving the livestock value chain.

Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the agreement as more than a formal step. He explained that it is a practical move to tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges, which is the lack of technical knowledge and hands on farming skills.

Despite Nigeria’s large cattle population, dairy output remains low. The Minister pointed out the gap clearly, stating, “The reality is that our traditional pastoral systems currently yield an average of merely one to two litres of milk per cow daily.” He explained that this situation is caused by several long standing issues.

“This low productivity is directly linked to a systematic deficit in modern husbandry practices, inadequate feed formulation and lack of clean portable water, as well as impact of climate change and a lack of proficiency in essential areas such as artificial insemination, herd health management and milk hygiene leading to huge post-harvest losses,” he added.

The new centre is expected to serve as a place where farmers can gain real experience and learn modern techniques. Maiha stressed the importance of practical learning, saying, “We are actively aware that theoretical knowledge, while important, cannot substitute for hands-on experience in farm management.”

He also highlighted the need to meet global standards. “Therefore I have directed that the curriculum for this centre must be rigorously benchmarked against the best standards in the global dairy industry.”

The training will focus mainly on practical work, covering areas such as breeding, animal care, feeding, hygiene, and farm management.

Nestlé Nigeria also shared its commitment to the project, noting its ongoing investment in dairy communities. “Through the project, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over 1.8 billion Naira to support dairy communities in and around Pai-Konkore and the Luger grazing reserves.”

This initiative is expected to improve productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on dairy imports.