In The Spotlight
Tanzania has taken a significant step towards strengthening its agricultural sector with the launch of a new large scale rice mill in Kahama district
The facility, developed by local company KOM Food Products Ltd, represents an investment of more than 100 billion Tanzanian shillings, equivalent to around US$39.56million. Construction of the plant was completed on a 54 hectare site and operations officially began in late January, according to the Tanzania Investment and Export Zones Authority.
The project is being described as one of the most important agro industrial developments in the country. While details of its processing capacity have not been made public, the mill is expected to play a central role in supporting local rice farmers. Most of the paddy processed at the facility will be sourced from producers in the Shinyanga region, helping to create a more reliable market for smallholder farmers.
“Beyond industrial output, the project is expected to strengthen agricultural value chains in Shinyanga Region by providing a stable market for paddy rice produced by smallholder farmers,” the press statement said. “The investment supports Tanzania’s broader strategy to expand domestic agro processing, enhance food security, and retain more value within the country by shifting more of the rice value chain — from farming to milling and packaging — into local production.”
Tanzania has been self sufficient in rice for several years, producing more than it consumes and supplying neighbouring countries with surplus grain. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture show that rice production averaged 2.43 million tonnes per year between the 2019 2020 and 2023 2024 seasons, while domestic demand stood at about 1.2 million tonnes annually. The new mill is expected to increase local processing capacity and make it easier to channel surplus rice into export markets.
According to TISEZA, KOM Food Products plans to expand production gradually in response to growing demand. “KOM Food Products said it plans to scale up production in phases to meet rising domestic demand and explore regional market opportunities in East and Southern Africa,” the authority highlighted.
Rice exports from Tanzania have fluctuated in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, the country exported an average of nearly 387,066 tonnes of milled rice each year, with exports peaking at 622,422 tonnes in 2022. Export revenues during this period averaged close to $191 million annually, with key markets including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With East African Community countries importing large volumes of cereals each year, the Kahama rice mill could help Tanzania strengthen its position as a regional supplier while supporting farmers, creating jobs and adding more value within the country.
Africa has taken a major step towards closing its long standing agricultural mechanization gap as leaders, experts and development partners gathered in Dar es Salaam for the Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization
The event opened with the launch of Tanzania’s National Agricultural Mechanization Strategy 2026 to 2036, signalling a renewed continent wide push to modernise farming systems.
The strategy was unveiled by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mwigulu L. Nchemba, alongside FAO Deputy Director General Beth Bechdol. The conference is organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and hosted by the Tanzanian government, bringing together governments, private sector players, researchers, youth groups and farmers to share ideas and scale up solutions that work for Africa.
Opening the conference, Prime Minister Nchemba stressed that mechanization is no longer optional for the continent. “Through action, we can change Africa’s agriculture to be a mechanized sector that is sustainable, for this generation and future generations.” He noted that the new ten year plan aligns with the FAO African Union Framework for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Africa and places women and young people at the centre of transformation.
FAO Deputy Director General Beth Bechdol said past approaches had failed because they focused on importing machinery without building the systems needed to support it. “Mechanization today cannot look like mechanization of the past. Shipping in large machines without financing, training, repair services, or local adaptation has not delivered lasting results. Africa does not need more equipment sitting idle. It needs systems that work,” she said. She added, “At FAO we see sustainable mechanization as a catalyst for transformation not as machines replacing people, but tools empowering people, reducing back breaking labour and creating space for women to farm more productively.”
African Union Commissioner Moses Vilakati highlighted the human dimension of the agenda, saying, “Our mechanization agenda is also a dignity agenda.”
Africa still relies heavily on manual and animal labour despite holding around half of the world’s uncultivated arable land. Crop yields remain well below global averages, even though agriculture supports the majority of livelihoods. Sustainable mechanization is seen as key to boosting productivity, creating skilled jobs and supporting climate smart farming.
FAO Regional Representative Abebe Haile Gabriel said, “Choosing a new direction that embraces mechanization, digitalization, scientific innovation and inclusive policies can fundamentally transform Africa’s agrifood landscape.”
The conference will also spotlight youth employment, digital tools such as machinery hire platforms and drones, and innovative financing, as FAO reaffirms its commitment to support African countries in building a modern and resilient agricultural future.
Image credit: Ethiopian news Agency
Ethiopia has renewed its call for greater recognition of coffee as more than a global export, framing it as a cultural treasure, a social bond and a vital economic pillar for both the country and the wider African continent
The message was delivered at a high level policy forum held on Tuesday during the 3rd African Coffee Week in Addis Ababa, where leaders and development partners gathered to discuss the future of Africa’s coffee industry.
Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture said, “Coffee is far more than a tradable commodity. It is and will remain one of Africa’s most powerful symbols and strategic assets,” Meles said.
He warned that climate change is placing increasing pressure on the sector, with erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and growing pest threats already affecting production. According to Meles, smallholder farmers are bearing the brunt of these changes, making climate resilience and sustainable transformation urgent priorities.
As Africa’s largest coffee producer, Ethiopia has positioned coffee at the core of its national development strategy. Meles said the government is expanding climate smart farming practices, strengthening quality control systems and improving market transparency, while ensuring women and young people benefit from sector reforms.
He also urged African countries to rethink their role in the global coffee value chain by moving beyond raw bean exports and investing in value addition, branding and finished products. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a major opportunity to build regional value chains and create decent jobs.
“Investments in climate smart production systems and sustainable land management are not optional; they are economically prudent,” he said. “Together, we can cultivate a coffee industry that is economically vibrant and deeply rooted in Africa’s rich heritage.”
AU Commission Chief of Staff Mohamed El Amine Souef echoed the call for stronger cooperation, noting that new harmonised African coffee standards aim to boost competitiveness.
“Coffee brings people from diverse cultures together for mutual benefit,” Souef said.
UNIDO Representative Stephen Kargbo highlighted coffee’s role in Ethiopia’s export earnings while warning of climate risks and price volatility. “No single institution or government can address these issues alone,” he said.
Italian Ambassador Sem Fabrizi praised coffee’s cultural roots and confirmed Italy’s continued support through development cooperation and increased financing via the Italian Climate Fund.
The event brought together more than 30 guests. (Image source: Aviagen)
Aviagen South Africa officially celebrated the opening of its expanded facilities at Schikfontein Farm in Heidelberg, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in South Africa and its commitment to strengthening the country’s poultry sector
The event brought together more than 30 guests, including customers, industry colleagues and government representatives. Among those in attendance were Aviagen South Africa’s distributors – Astral Foods (Ross Poultry Breeders), Arbor Acres South Africa and Rainbow Chickens – underscoring the strong relationships that continue to drive the growth and resilience of South Africa’s poultry industry.
Guests were welcomed by Duard Kleynhans, General Manager, Aviagen South Africa, followed by an opening address from Sergio Illán, President, Aviagen TMEA, before officially opening the facility and touring the expanded operations.
During his speech, Sergio acknowledged Aviagen South Africa’s customers and industry colleagues for the trust they have placed in the business for many years. He highlighted that while the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite disease challenges, rising production costs and global market pressures, continued success will depend on ongoing investment, innovation and collaboration.
Duard highlighted that the expansion reflects Aviagen’s long-term commitment to South Africa and the customers it serves: “This opening represents much more than an expansion of our facilities. It reflects our long-term commitment to supporting our customers with reliable supply, world-class genetics and the expertise they need to grow their businesses. By investing in our facilities, our people and our capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to support sustainable poultry production and contribute to food security across South Africa.”
Representatives from Aviagen South Africa’s distributors also welcomed the investment.
“This investment demonstrates confidence in the future of South African agriculture and reinforces the importance of continued investment in local production, biosecurity and innovation. As a long-standing customer, we value Aviagen South Africa’s commitment to strengthening local breeding capacity and supporting a sustainable and resilient poultry industry,” shared Robert Roszkopf, Managing Director, Agriculture, Astral Foods.
Arno van der Nat, General Manager, Arbor Acres South Africa added: “The level of thought and planning that has gone into the design of these new facilities reflects Aviagen’s long-term commitment to the South African market. This investment provides an important foundation for the continued growth, resilience and sustainability of our poultry industry.”
“The scale of investment, technological sophistication and attention to detail evident throughout the new facilities are truly impressive. Aviagen has created a world-class operation that combines high standards of biosecurity, animal welfare and responsible breeding practices. These facilities strengthen the South African poultry value chain and reinforces the country’s ability to sustainably meet the growing demand for high-quality poultry ”, commented Mbusi Dlamini, Breed & Agriculture Director, Rainbow Chickens.
The Ekiti State Government has launched a targeted technical training and agricultural interventions across the state to enhance livestock productivity, advance sustainable agribusiness, and boost rural livelihoods
This comes as part of the government's larger initiative to empower livestock producers and agricultural entrepreneurs via deliberate investments and capacity-building, said Ebenezer Boluwade, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, while speaking in Ado Ekiti at the Mass Artificial Insemination, Training and Induction of Inseminators programme organised by the state’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).
The programme leverages modern breeding technologies to multiply breeds at a greater pace while refining animal genetics. This shift from traditional breeding concerns will address root challenges such as low yield and restricted access to superior genetic stock.
“The artificial insemination programme was designed by the state L-PRES for breed/genetic improvement and multiplication of livestock for better production,” said Boluwade.
Beyond upgrading animal stock, the programme prioritises hands-on skill development. Local farmers and newly inducted inseminators are receiving practical training to effectively execute advanced breeding techniques in the field.
By modernising farming practices, building a skilled cadre of agricultural service providers, and optimising the broader livestock value chain, the Ekiti State Government intends to foster a resilient, highly productive livestock sector that strengthens regional food security and expands commercial agribusiness opportunities.
Technology deployment can help smallholder farmers.
Modern technology integration into farming operations can boost income for smallholder farmers
Ahead of the Africa International Agricultural Expo 2026, agriculture secretary, James Wanjohi, said that small-scale growers should build communities like cooperatives and producer associations to pool resources for shared expenses. This will split the costs of heavy purchases like equipment while optimising its use for everyone.
According to Wanjohi, technical support, dedicated extension services and reliable market access are required to make technology deployment a success.
“Technology that is being pushed must also come with some earning. That value must give an extra earning to the farmers,” he said.
The upcoming event will showcase innovations tailored to several vital steps in the agricultural process, including harvesting, processing, irrigation, and post-harvest management. Attendees will also have opportunities to review funding packages provided by financial organisations such as the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC).
Furthermore, Wanjohi noted that the exhibition aligns with ongoing state initiatives to encourage value addition, packaging, and branding—empowering farmers to transition away from selling unrefined farm goods and meet international trade standards.
“There is a huge push by government not just to sell raw materials,” he said.
Flacko Wang, Director of Market Development at Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition Limited, said, “AI can solve some basic questions and daily questions. Farmers can get information from AI without having to ask around.”
The previous edition of the expo featured roughly 10,000 pieces of farm machinery and tech solutions.
Senegal has partnered with FAO to address livestock theft.
As part of National Integrated Livestock Development Programme (PNDIES), Senegal will be initiating a digital identification and traceability network pilot for farm animals
The approximately US$1.7mn programme will involve the use of electronic chips, ear tags and connected collars to establish a strong livestock network, informed PNDIES coordinator, Dame Sow.
This is anticipated to bring about a positive change in Senegal's livestock scene which has been frequently dealing with theft challenges. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that between 22,000 and 30,000 animals are stolen annually, driving financial losses to roughly $3.2 million every year.
With the support of FAO, Senegal addressed the challenge by setting up community intelligence networks alongside a validated National Livestock Identification and Traceability System. The project saw the involvement of local tech start-ups for the deployment of IoT monitoring tools and a costed execution plan.
Identifying that the reach of the problem extended beyond borders, Senegal partnered with FAO in February to host delegates from 15 West African nations in Dakar. The outcome of the session was a proposal for a cross-border initiative focused on digital tracking, early warning networks, and unified judicial frameworks.
In April 2026, the Regional Veterinary Committee adopted a roadmap to standardize digital identification systems across member states—aiming to curb theft while simultaneously smoothing regional trade, managing transhumance routes, and easing pastoral conflicts.
Moving forward, Senegal's primary hurdle will be executing these legal frameworks and digital tools effectively on the ground.
IPM ESSEN unites global supply and demand in one place. (Image source: IPM ESSEN)
Global trade fair for horticulture, IPM ESSEN will be opening its doors to international partners for expansion accross new markets with wider networking and long-term business opportunities
Set to be held in Germany from 26 to 29 January 2027, IPM ESSEN will be introducing a new international delegation programme, which will see partcipation from both key and emerging markets. There will be an engaging presentation of products, concepts and innovations in the green sector. The delegation will comprise not only international trade associations and industry organisations but political institutions and economic development agencies as well.
“IPM ESSEN unites global supply and demand in one place. With the new delegation programme, we are systematically expanding this matchmaking function and creating additional opportunities to connect international IPM participants with one another. This is how personal encounters lead to new projects and long-term partnerships,” said Oliver P Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen.
Participants can take away valuable practical insights from exchanges with horticultural businesses, breeders, nurseries and garden centres in North Rhine-Westphalia.
IPM ESSEN will have a dedicated Innovation Centre Horticulture Technology promoting future-oriented fields such as climate adaptation, resource efficiency, peat reduction, automation and artificial intelligence.
The IPM Discovery Centre will display innovative POS concepts and ensure modern shopfitting ideas for retailers are staged to maximum effect. Exhibitors from all areas of horticulture can tap into easy brand positioning by integrating their products and novelties into high-profile sales concepts. The presentation is practical, trend-oriented and emotive, directly within the application context.
Innovations in feeding is a key area for improving economic efficiency.
EIMA 2026 aims to bridge demand-supply gap in agritech.
Intraco has collaborated with Prognosis for rapid mycotoxin detection.
In a move to strengthen its Detect & Protect mycotoxin management strategy, Intraco has added two new offerings to the Intra Toxinbind Xpro range -- Intra Toxinbind Xpro Plus and Intra Toxinbind Xpro Premium
The company has also collaborated with Prognosis for rapid mycotoxin detection. These developments equip Intraco to support faster identification of mycotoxin risks before it can adversely affect animal health and performance.
The company taps the growing demand for reliable detection and targeted mitigation tools as a result of increased mycotoxin pressure on livestock production. The Prognosis and Toxinbind offerings make up a complete package to address mycotoxin risks, with rapid screening solutions ensuring quick decision making when it comes to feed ingredients and raw materials assessment.
"Our customers tell us that mycotoxin challenges are becoming increasingly complex and less predictable, with a growing negative impact on animal performance, health, and profitability,' said Julie Feyaerts, global portfolio manager.
"Based on customer feedback, we see that the most important factors in assessing mycotoxin risk are the origin of raw materials, climatic conditions during cultivation and harvest, and the subsequent processing and storage conditions. Together with flock observations such as reduced growth performance, increased mortality, or gut health challenges, these factors help determine the most appropriate mycotoxin management strategy.
"To support our customers, we have strengthened our mycotoxin management approach in three ways. First, we help customers evaluate their mycotoxin risk based on raw material sourcing and flock observations. Second, we now offer rapid mycotoxin screening of raw materials through our partnership with Prognosis, providing a valuable quality check of suppliers and an additional decision-making tool. Third, we have expanded the Intra Toxinbind range with the introduction of Intra Toxinbind Xpro Plus and Intra Toxinbind Xpro Premium, completing our portfolio and allowing customers to select the most appropriate strategy for their specific mycotoxin risk and animal needs.
"By combining rapid detection, technical expertise, and a graded portfolio based on adsorption, bioprotection, and detoxification, we help customers apply the right level of protection locally, safeguarding animal health and performance while optimizing return on investment," Feyaerts said.
With this expanded offering, Intraco provides customers with practical tools, proven protection solutions and expert guidance, delivering a comprehensive Detect & Protect strategy tailored to local challenges and customer needs.
The event brought together more than 30 guests. (Image source: Aviagen)
Senegal has partnered with FAO to address livestock theft.
Image credit: Ethiopian news Agency
Ethiopia has renewed its call for greater recognition of coffee as more than a global export, framing it as a cultural treasure, a social bond and a vital economic pillar for both the country and the wider African continent
The message was delivered at a high level policy forum held on Tuesday during the 3rd African Coffee Week in Addis Ababa, where leaders and development partners gathered to discuss the future of Africa’s coffee industry.
Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture said, “Coffee is far more than a tradable commodity. It is and will remain one of Africa’s most powerful symbols and strategic assets,” Meles said.
He warned that climate change is placing increasing pressure on the sector, with erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and growing pest threats already affecting production. According to Meles, smallholder farmers are bearing the brunt of these changes, making climate resilience and sustainable transformation urgent priorities.
As Africa’s largest coffee producer, Ethiopia has positioned coffee at the core of its national development strategy. Meles said the government is expanding climate smart farming practices, strengthening quality control systems and improving market transparency, while ensuring women and young people benefit from sector reforms.
He also urged African countries to rethink their role in the global coffee value chain by moving beyond raw bean exports and investing in value addition, branding and finished products. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a major opportunity to build regional value chains and create decent jobs.
“Investments in climate smart production systems and sustainable land management are not optional; they are economically prudent,” he said. “Together, we can cultivate a coffee industry that is economically vibrant and deeply rooted in Africa’s rich heritage.”
AU Commission Chief of Staff Mohamed El Amine Souef echoed the call for stronger cooperation, noting that new harmonised African coffee standards aim to boost competitiveness.
“Coffee brings people from diverse cultures together for mutual benefit,” Souef said.
UNIDO Representative Stephen Kargbo highlighted coffee’s role in Ethiopia’s export earnings while warning of climate risks and price volatility. “No single institution or government can address these issues alone,” he said.
Italian Ambassador Sem Fabrizi praised coffee’s cultural roots and confirmed Italy’s continued support through development cooperation and increased financing via the Italian Climate Fund.
FederUnacoma offers tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots. (Image source: FederUnacoma)
Highly specialised FederUnacoma machineries for operations in rice fields were on display at the recently concluded Riso – International Rice Festival in Vercelli, organised by the Province and City of Vercelli alongside the National Rice Authority (Ente Nazionale Risi) and Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (MASAF)
From tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots, there are technologies dedicated to each stage of production to ensure maximum efficiency.
With more than 230,000 hectares under cultivation, and of high-quality varieties, rice production drives Italy's agriculture scene. To secure rice generation stability against factors such as drought, low market prices and foreign competition, technology is the most scientific way to manage uncertainties, according to FederUnacoma. The 17 innovative machines on display included tractors powerful and versatile enough to work across ploughing, sowing, irrigation and harvesting.
There were multi-purpose blades for constructing solid embankments designed to consistently maintain water level without leaks or seepage. Levelling blades ensuring uniform water distribution were displayed as well. In addition to these – also on display at RISO’ – were precision seeders, electric telescopic loaders for CO₂-free operation in the field, combine harvesters fitted with specialised harvesting attachments, and reaper-binders for harvesting in dry-farmed rice fields.
An agricultural robot was present demonstrating cultivation operations such as weeding with precision. “The technologies produced by Italian manufacturers are capable of managing rice paddies with extreme precision, complying with the phytosanitary parameters imposed by the European Union, conserving water resources and significantly reducing labour costs,” said Mariateresa Maschio, president of FederUnacoma, “and thus enable production costs to be kept in check in a sector...such as the rice industry, which currently offers low profitability”.
“Our Federation’s presence at the RISO event strengthens our collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry,” said Simona Rapastella, director-general of FederUnacoma, “and forms part of a comprehensive programme which, in recent years, has included exhibitions and machine demonstrations at the main events dedicated to agriculture. This is precisely to highlight how mechanisation is a fundamental tool for the competitiveness of Italian production, and how machinery can be a valuable ally for agricultural businesses.”
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Image credit: Ethiopian news Agency
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The event brought together more than 30 guests. (Image source: Aviagen)
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The transition to solar-driven irrigation provides crucial relief for smallholders.
MTC's PE2 reinforced gloves can be a good fit for sugarcane farmers.
FederUnacoma offers tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots. (Image source: FederUnacoma)
The training is part of Federal Government’s wider mechanisation programme.
Zoomlion's participation is part of a broader Hunan business delegation.
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The range is purpose-built for mixed farming operations. (Image source: New Holland)
Government is especially prioritising dairy sector to boost food security. (Image source: GAA)
The C1450T is built to increase capacity. (Image source: John Deere)
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The project is set to become an exemplary climate-smart agriculture.
The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.(Image credit: xylem)