In The Spotlight
The programme aims to increase agricultural productivity.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Niger’s economy, contributing approximately 33% of the nation’s GDP and employing around 71% of the working population, with smallholder farmers forming the backbone of food production and rural livelihoods.
To strengthen agricultural development and improve living standards, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has launched a US$2.7mn project aimed at supporting farmers’ organisations in the Dosso and Tillabéri regions. The initiative is financed by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed on 13 December 2025 in Niamey by Prime Minister Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine and FAO Niger Representative Al Hassan Cissé.
The three-year programme is designed to primarily benefit the Federation Mooriben, one of Niger’s largest and most influential farmers’ organisations. Mooriben unites 29 agricultural cooperative unions across Niamey, Dosso, and Tillabéri, operating through 1,541 groups in 732 villages. The project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and overall livelihoods for federation members and their wider communities.
The initiative is built around three key pillars. First, it seeks to strengthen the organisational, technical, and administrative capacities of the Federation Mooriben, enabling it to operate more efficiently and provide better services to farmers. Second, the programme supports producers in developing climate-resilient agricultural value chains, equipping farmers to mitigate risks associated with climate change while improving productivity and income. Third, FAO will ensure coordination, monitoring, and knowledge sharing to promote transparency, scalability, and the replication of best practices across the agricultural sector.
Al Hassan Cissé emphasised the project’s people-centred approach, noting its focus on empowering farmers to mobilise and manage investments, and fostering sustainable income-generating activities with a particular emphasis on women and youth. He highlighted that farmers’ organisations serve as crucial intermediaries between government authorities and rural producers, facilitating access to technical assistance, market information, and policy support.
The initiative builds on the Federation Mooriben’s existing achievements. In 2024, the federation mobilised CFA395.4 million from partners to fund projects such as seed production, agricultural research, and innovation, demonstrating its capacity to drive meaningful development. The FAO-supported project is expected to amplify these gains, strengthening the federation’s ability to improve food security and agricultural resilience in Niger.
By enhancing farmers’ organisations, the programme aims to increase agricultural productivity, support climate adaptation, and promote sustainable rural development, delivering lasting benefits for communities in the Dosso and Tillabéri regions.
The initiative is expected to deliver broad benefits across local communities.
Up to 300,000 smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda are set to benefit from a US$2mn technical assistance programme aimed at increasing cotton yields, strengthening value chains, and boosting rural incomes in a region where the crop is a cornerstone of livelihoods.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Board of Directors approved the funds on 9 December 2025 to support the Cotton Value Chain Project in Northern Uganda. Financed by the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA)—a multi-donor trust fund hosted by AfDB—the initiative provides grants for technical support to enhance Africa’s private sector. The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, with a strong focus on revitalising rural economies and improving household incomes.
Cotton is central to Northern Uganda’s local economy, yet many farmers face low productivity due to limited access to quality inputs, weak market linkages, and outdated processing facilities. The project seeks to tackle these challenges by optimising performance across the entire cotton value chain, from farm production to processing and marketing.
Targeted interventions will help farmers increase yields through improved seed varieties, better farming practices, and expanded access to extension services. Cotton mills and cooperatives will receive support to modernise equipment and raise quality standards. At the same time, stronger connections between farmers, processors, and buyers are expected to stabilise prices and increase household earnings.
The initiative is expected to deliver broad benefits across local communities. In addition to the 300,000 direct beneficiaries, more than one million people including cotton growers, women, youth, and workers along the processing and trading value chain are projected to benefit.
Dorsaf Zangar-Labidi, AfDB Manager for Industrial Development, Trade and Investment Climate Division, emphasised the project’s people-centred approach: “This project will bring new opportunities to farming communities and thereby restoring dignity and improving livelihoods,” she said. “As a significant cash crop, investing in cotton means we are investing in jobs, incomes, climate resilience and even food security.”
Higher farm incomes are expected to enable families to invest more in education and healthcare, while new employment opportunities along the cotton value chain should encourage greater participation by youth and women. Strengthened farmer organisations will also provide producers with a stronger voice and better access to finance and markets.
Sustainability is a key focus of the programme. Training in climate-smart agriculture will equip farmers to cope with weather shocks and protect soil health. Overall, the project is projected to deliver higher cotton productivity, improved lint quality, expanded processing capacity, and stronger private sector engagement. By boosting local value addition, the initiative aims to retain more economic benefits within Uganda and reduce export losses.
“Over time, the gains expected from this project will contribute to poverty reduction, economic resilience and regional stability in the region,” Zangar-Labidi concluded.
Nigeria and Botswana collaborates to modernise livestock sector. (Image credit: Federal Ministry of Livestock Development)
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing evidence-based policies aimed at modernising the country’s livestock sector, positioning it as a major driver of economic growth.
This was emphasised by the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a courtesy visit from Her Excellency Philda Nani Kereng, High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to Nigeria, on Friday, 12th December 2025, at the Ministry in Abuja.
Minister Maiha highlighted the need for Nigeria to move beyond outdated livestock systems and adopt structured reforms that boost productivity, encourage value addition, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers and other stakeholders along the livestock value chain.
“The Botswana experience is a major inspiration. Your nation has achieved in 50 years what the world continues to study, and we are interested in domesticating many of those lessons,” he said.
He added, “Nigeria, as the largest market in Africa, is ready to expand its livestock sector to compete globally, while also partnering with Botswana to accelerate the journey,” noting Botswana’s notable achievements in beef exports to Europe, transboundary disease management, and the integration of technology in livestock traceability.
Minister Maiha also stressed Nigeria’s readiness to learn from Botswana’s model as the Ministry embarks on a plan to rehabilitate and modernise 417 grazing reserves across the country into structured ranching ecosystems.
In response, High Commissioner Kereng highlighted Botswana’s five-decade success in beef production and export to Europe, attributing it to deliberate policies, strong governance, and extensive support systems for farmers. She explained that Botswana’s livestock sector evolved from a rural development model focused on agriculture, supported by legislation and policies enabling farmers to produce high-quality cattle for both livelihood improvement and national economic growth.
Her Excellency further noted that Botswana’s beef sector, second only to diamonds in national revenue, thrives on strict disease-control measures, communal land management, targeted veterinary interventions, and highly subsidised farmer support programmes.
She outlined areas for potential collaboration with Nigeria, including beef quality improvement through enhanced genetics, modern abattoir practices, disease management, veterinary protocols, vaccine production, livestock traceability, and grazing management, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing sustainable and competitive livestock development.
Nigeria aims to lead West Africa towards a more secure and resilient livestock future.(Image credit: AgroNigeria)
Nigeria has once again reaffirmed its pivotal role in safeguarding West Africa’s livestock sector, strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against transboundary animal diseases that continue to threaten food security and rural livelihoods across the sub-region.
At the opening of the Regional Training on Strengthening Capacities for PPR and Other Transboundary Animal Diseases held in Abuja, the Federal Government emphasised that collaborative action is essential to accelerate livestock transformation and protect millions of households dependent on the sector.
Addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, highlighted the nation’s strong commitment to advancing the Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme and strengthening Africa’s collective resilience. According to her, Nigeria is implementing extensive upgrades to its animal health surveillance systems to better detect, monitor, and prevent cross-border disease spread.
Dr. Akujobi noted that the Federal Government is deepening surveillance mechanisms by enhancing the National Animal Disease Information System, fostering stronger laboratory–field coordination under the One Health approach, and expanding partnerships with ECOWAS-RAHC, AU-IBAR, FAO, and WOAH to ensure that national animal health initiatives align with broader regional and continental strategies. These efforts reflect Nigeria’s leadership in harmonising disease control frameworks across West Africa.
She further explained that Nigeria’s decision to host the regional training demonstrates its readiness to support neighbouring countries in capacity building, technical cooperation, and coordinated surveillance. According to her, disease outbreaks in rural communities go beyond animal losses—they weaken resilience, disrupt local economies, and slow down agricultural advancement. She stressed that the continent must shift from reactive emergency responses to proactive, data-driven surveillance systems if Africa is to meet the global PPR eradication target by 2030.
Highlighting ongoing challenges, Dr. Akujobi pointed out that the region continues to face a range of transboundary and zoonotic threats including Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever, Anthrax, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. These diseases, she said, collectively undermine food systems, livestock productivity, and household incomes. She called for stronger collaboration among veterinarians, epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, border authorities, wildlife regulators, and pastoral communities, noting that each stakeholder plays a critical role in prevention and control.
In his address, the FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Tofeek Braimah, emphasised the severe socio-economic impact of PPR, describing it as one of the most destructive viral diseases affecting sheep and goats. He reiterated that although the 2030 eradication goal is ambitious, it remains achievable through sustained political commitment, strong partnerships, and synchronised regional action. Dr. Braimah reaffirmed FAO’s unwavering support to member states and regional institutions in their animal health efforts.
Through enhanced cooperation, innovative surveillance, and strengthened regional coordination, Nigeria aims to lead West Africa towards a more secure and resilient livestock future.
The project will generate multiple social and economic benefits.(Image credit: Proparco)
In a transformative step for food security and agribusiness development in West Africa, Sonoco Limited is set to launch Sierra Leone’s first large-scale wheat flour production facility with significant financial backing from Proparco.
The French development finance institution has approved a US$23mn senior loan to support the construction, operational needs, and working capital requirements of the state-of-the-art flour mill in Freetown. This milestone project will not only redefine Sierra Leone’s domestic food production landscape but also enhance the country’s resilience in the face of global supply chain pressures.
Sonoco’s ambitious venture includes the development of a modern soft wheat processing mill capable of producing 600 tonnes per day, alongside a sophisticated 40,000-tonne silo storage complex. Once fully operational, the facilities are expected to yield approximately 140,000 tonnes of wheat flour annually- a vital staple across West African households and an essential ingredient for bakeries, food manufacturers, and retail markets.
The project marks a significant shift for Sonoco’s Sierra Leone operations, transitioning from a major importer of wheat flour to the country’s biggest miller. This shift not only strengthens local value creation but also positions Sierra Leone as a potential supplier to neighbouring markets, including Liberia and other regional economies seeking reliable, high-quality flour products.
Crucially, this development supports Sierra Leone’s urgent need to improve food availability and affordability. With recent estimates showing that 77% of the population faces some level of food insecurity, the establishment of domestic production capacity is both timely and transformative. The initiative aligns strongly with the “Production” priority under the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM) launched in 2022 by French President Emmanuel Macron, in partnership with the EU, G7, and African Union.
The project also embodies Proparco’s “Explore” strategy for 2023–2027, aimed at catalysing high-impact investments in fragile states. By strengthening the capabilities of a leading Sierra Leone agribusiness operator, the partnership reinforces local economic empowerment while aligning with France’s new international cooperation framework introduced in 2025.
Sadio Dicko, Proparco’s Regional Director for West Africa, said,“Proparco is very proud to support Sonoco Group’s development in Sierra Leone. This world-class wheat flour production unit will enable the country to have fresh and highly qualitative flour available every day. At Proparco, we believe West African countries must increase their control of food value chains to ensure food security and prosperity. This is exactly what we are doing with this project and we are looking forward to strengthening our presence in the country”.
Beyond boosting production, the project will generate multiple social and economic benefits, contributing directly to key Sustainable Development Goals including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
This summit will serve as a powerful platform to foster gender equality and economic inclusion, helping shape the future of African agriculture for the better. (Image credit: AGM)
The AGM Women Summit 2025 took place on 11 December 2025 in Paris under the theme “Female Human Capital and Agricultural Investment in Africa: Structural Challenge and Golden Opportunity.”
This landmark event will gather policymakers, investors, and women entrepreneurs from across the globe to explore the crucial role of women in transforming African agriculture, driving inclusive growth, and fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices.
African agriculture stands at a pivotal moment. Despite the continent’s vast natural resources and potential for growth, it faces several structural barriers, especially in terms of women’s access to finance, training, and land. The AGM Women Summit 2025 aims to highlight how leveraging female human capital and increasing agricultural investment can catalyse productivity, equity, and climate resilience in Africa.
As Charlotte Libog, President of the AGM Women Network and Founder of Africa Granary of the World, stresses: “Women’s economic empowerment is not just a matter of social justice: it represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen Africa’s food sovereignty and ensure sustainable agricultural growth.” This vision is critical for the future of African agriculture, as empowering women is integral to achieving food security and fostering sustainable economic development.
Held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Place de l’Opéra, Paris, the summit will facilitate dynamic discussions between stakeholders, including financial partners, investors, and women entrepreneurs from across Africa and the diaspora. The event will focus on addressing the “3F equation”—Financing, Training, and Land—which continue to pose challenges to women in agriculture. These barriers limit women’s ability to scale agricultural businesses, yet the summit will explore actionable solutions to overcome these constraints.
The AGM Women Summit is not just a platform for exchanging ideas but a catalyst for actionable commitments. The summit will encourage tangible initiatives aimed at improving financing options for women-led agricultural projects, enhancing skills through targeted training, and improving land access. The goal is to turn these obstacles into opportunities, enabling women to play a central role in climate-resilient agriculture and inclusive economic growth across Africa.
Moreover, the summit will host panels on green finance, sustainable agricultural technologies, and impact investing. These discussions will illustrate how economic profitability and sustainable development can go hand in hand. For investors, it presents an opportunity to discover high-potential agricultural projects, while women entrepreneurs will benefit from expanding their networks and forging strategic partnerships.
The AGM Women Summit 2025 is more than just a conference—it is a unique opportunity to mobilise resources and build sustainable partnerships to accelerate the transformation of African agriculture. As Charlotte Libog states, “Making African agriculture a driver of equity and resilience is possible if we place women’s potential at the heart of decisions and investments.”
This summit will serve as a powerful platform to foster gender equality and economic inclusion, helping shape the future of African agriculture for the better.
These initiatives form part of a broader economic strategy to boost food production, create job opportunities, and address food insecurity not just in Ghana. (Image credit: MOFA)
Ghana is set to establish itself as Africa’s premier "food nation," fuelled by substantial government investments in agriculture. This transformation is being driven by ambitious infrastructure developments such as irrigation systems, state-of-the-art warehouses, and advanced processing facilities.
These initiatives form part of a broader economic strategy to boost food production, create job opportunities, and address food insecurity not just in Ghana, but across the entire African continent.
In a recent address, President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the country’s agricultural future, stating, “We are on track to make Ghana the food hub of Africa, able to feed the rest of the continent.” This statement reflects Ghana's commitment to enhancing the entire agricultural value chain, from cultivation through to food processing and export. Akufo-Addo also highlighted the long-term benefits of this strategy, noting that it would enhance food security, industrialisation, and economic growth across the nation.
Central to Ghana’s agricultural revolution is the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme. This flagship initiative has delivered critical support to farmers by providing fertilisers, seeds, and technical expertise, resulting in significant increases in crop production. The president praised the programme, saying, “Our policies have transformed agriculture, with production levels increasing significantly across various crops.” The PFJ is not only improving yields but also fostering an environment where sustainable agriculture can thrive.
The surge in food production has opened new doors for employment, especially among the youth. Traditionally, agriculture in Ghana was perceived as a sector for older generations. However, thanks to modern, technology-driven farming practices, young people are increasingly seeing agriculture as a promising and profitable career path. Akufo-Addo noted, “The youth of Ghana are increasingly turning to agriculture as a viable and lucrative career,” adding that the government’s backing has made this shift possible, reducing youth unemployment in the process.
To reinforce its position as a leading food producer, Ghana is also investing in infrastructure to streamline food distribution. The focus is on enhancing transportation, storage, and processing systems to optimise the food supply chain and minimise post-harvest losses. Moreover, the government is strengthening the link between farmers and markets, ensuring that food production aligns with consumer demand and national requirements.
Beyond securing food for its citizens, Ghana aims to leverage its agricultural success for regional economic growth. By increasing food production, the country plans to become a key supplier to other African nations, boosting regional trade and integration. “Our goal is to ensure that Ghana becomes a leading food supplier for Africa,” the president concluded, solidifying Ghana’s aspirations as a major player in Africa’s food economy.
In summary, Ghana’s future as Africa’s food hub looks increasingly certain. Through strategic investments, innovative policies, and a deep commitment to agricultural growth, Ghana is preparing to lead the continent in food production, not only meeting its own needs but also supporting its neighbours.
Manila, Philippines
Visitors will explore how horticulture can embed sustainable business practices. (Image credit: IPM ESSEN)
From 27 to 30 January 2026, Messe Essen will once again become the beating heart of the global green industry as it hosts IPM ESSEN 2026.
The world-leading trade fair will bring together the entire horticultural value chain, offering a comprehensive look at plants, technology, floristry, garden features and the emerging trends shaping the horticultural future. This upcoming edition places strong emphasis not only on new products, but on the strategic transformation of the industry itself.
Visitors will explore how horticulture can embed sustainable business practices, harness the growing influence of artificial intelligence, captivate modern consumers and attract the skilled professionals and young talent the sector urgently needs. As Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, explains, “IPM ESSEN is the place where the green sector collectively tackles global challenges – in a practical, international and inspiring way. Our visitors experience not only trends but also viable solutions – from climate-resilient plants and new training concepts to sustainable technology.”
With around 1,400 exhibitors from 45 countries expected, the fair will serve as a major platform for ordering, networking and knowledge-sharing. Familiar industry leaders such as Florensis, Scheurich, Soendgen Keramik and Koopman International will return, showcasing the innovative products and services that continue to shape international horticulture. As in previous years, the exhibition grounds will be fully occupied and clearly organised by theme, ensuring smooth navigation for professional visitors.
The plant halls will display the sector in all its diversity—from perennials and young plants to herbs, balcony plants and cut flowers. A core focus will be plants that can withstand the realities of climate change, including drought-tolerant and heat-resistant species. Hall 2 will welcome the Gardener Forum, offering expert lectures on production, marketing and technology. A new highlight, the Wood Arena in Hall 7, will explore future-proof tree assortments for cities, forests and private gardens, alongside biodiversity-enhancing hedges. Messe Essen will also host the Green Cities Europe Award for the second year, celebrating impactful urban greening projects. Additionally, the Landgard Order Days | Spring Edition return in Hall 1A, providing a compact, inspiration-filled ordering platform.
Technology remains central to the future of horticulture, and IPM ESSEN 2026 will showcase cutting-edge solutions in automation, digitalisation and resource efficiency. The Horticultural Technology Innovation Center in Hall 4 will present forward-looking approaches to energy saving, water optimisation and logistics. The Cannabis.NET special area, led by the University of Hohenheim, will give insight into scientific developments in cannabis research. Hall 4 will also host the Horticultural Information Center, featuring practical demonstrations on peat-free substrates, biostimulants and novel cultivation techniques, and will present the IPM Novelties Showcase, awarding the top plant innovations on the first day.
Country pavilions from across Europe, Asia and the Americas will highlight global expertise and trade opportunities, with participation from Turkey, France, Denmark, Italy, the UK, Poland, Portugal and Israel. A stronger focus on the next generation will be seen through Training Day, the Careers + Future Forum, and the debut Young Entrepreneurs Day, featuring a keynote by musician and entrepreneur Joey Kelly.
Alongside the fair, the Congress Center Essen will host the BdB seminar and the “GaLaBau Outlook” congress, offering professional insight into urban greening and landscape architecture.
The 2026 edition will take place from 24–26 March 2026. (Image credit: Hortiflora)
Must-see highlights at DLG Feldtage 2026. (Image credit: DLG)
Fisheries Development Surges Under PROFISHBLUE.
A major African Development Bank Group–funded programme is transforming fisheries management and boosting regional trade, improving the lives of nearly three million people across Southern Africa.
The Program for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors (PROFISHBLUE) has revitalised aquatic resource management and expanded cross-border fish commerce, with trade volumes now exceeding 500,000 tonnes over the past four years. This progress is driving job creation, strengthening food security, and enhancing climate resilience across 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations.
Backed by a $9.2 million ADF 15 grant, the initiative has delivered training, equipment, and technical support to more than 250,000 beneficiaries across seven African Development Fund countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Capacity-building programmes have covered a wide range of areas, including fish value chain development, post-harvest utilisation, SME growth, genetic improvement of indigenous tilapia species, policy harmonisation, and nutrition-focused fish product development. Support has also extended to fish stock assessments in shared water bodies, vessel monitoring systems, and improved collection of catch statistics.
During World Fisheries Day on 21 November, SADC, the African Development Bank Group, and partner organisations gathered in Gaborone to highlight the programme’s achievements since its 2022 launch. The celebration showcased tangible improvements in regional fish value chains and stronger consumer markets linked to enhanced governance and blue economy investment.
Domingos Gove,Director speaking for SADC Deputy Secretary for Regional Integration Angele Makombo Ntumba, said: "We are indebted to the African Development Bank Group for providing funding to implement this project within the Blue Economy space. This support has demonstrated our capacity to improve aquatic food systems for the benefit of over 380 million people in the region."
Neeraj Vij,The African Development Bank’s Regional Sector Manager for Feed Africa Operations for Southern Africa,added: "The PROFISHBLUE project has shown best practices in regional integration of blue economy trade corridors and cross-border fish trade… This project demonstrates how strategic investment in fisheries governance can create competitive value chains that provide jobs and livelihoods while eradicating extreme poverty, especially in rural areas."
Key partners including FAO, UNIDO, WWF, WorldFish and ARSO have contributed crucial expertise. Regional leaders praised the programme’s role in providing a platform for shared learning, with testimonials from women in fisheries underscoring its inclusivity. One participant from Tanzania reflected: "We embarked on an investment journey that few smallholder entrepreneurs would consider piloting technology in seaweed farming. We appreciate the opportunity..."
Nigeria and Botswana collaborates to modernise livestock sector. (Image credit: Federal Ministry of Livestock Development)
Nigeria aims to lead West Africa towards a more secure and resilient livestock future.(Image credit: AgroNigeria)
The project will generate multiple social and economic benefits.(Image credit: Proparco)
In a transformative step for food security and agribusiness development in West Africa, Sonoco Limited is set to launch Sierra Leone’s first large-scale wheat flour production facility with significant financial backing from Proparco.
The French development finance institution has approved a US$23mn senior loan to support the construction, operational needs, and working capital requirements of the state-of-the-art flour mill in Freetown. This milestone project will not only redefine Sierra Leone’s domestic food production landscape but also enhance the country’s resilience in the face of global supply chain pressures.
Sonoco’s ambitious venture includes the development of a modern soft wheat processing mill capable of producing 600 tonnes per day, alongside a sophisticated 40,000-tonne silo storage complex. Once fully operational, the facilities are expected to yield approximately 140,000 tonnes of wheat flour annually- a vital staple across West African households and an essential ingredient for bakeries, food manufacturers, and retail markets.
The project marks a significant shift for Sonoco’s Sierra Leone operations, transitioning from a major importer of wheat flour to the country’s biggest miller. This shift not only strengthens local value creation but also positions Sierra Leone as a potential supplier to neighbouring markets, including Liberia and other regional economies seeking reliable, high-quality flour products.
Crucially, this development supports Sierra Leone’s urgent need to improve food availability and affordability. With recent estimates showing that 77% of the population faces some level of food insecurity, the establishment of domestic production capacity is both timely and transformative. The initiative aligns strongly with the “Production” priority under the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM) launched in 2022 by French President Emmanuel Macron, in partnership with the EU, G7, and African Union.
The project also embodies Proparco’s “Explore” strategy for 2023–2027, aimed at catalysing high-impact investments in fragile states. By strengthening the capabilities of a leading Sierra Leone agribusiness operator, the partnership reinforces local economic empowerment while aligning with France’s new international cooperation framework introduced in 2025.
Sadio Dicko, Proparco’s Regional Director for West Africa, said,“Proparco is very proud to support Sonoco Group’s development in Sierra Leone. This world-class wheat flour production unit will enable the country to have fresh and highly qualitative flour available every day. At Proparco, we believe West African countries must increase their control of food value chains to ensure food security and prosperity. This is exactly what we are doing with this project and we are looking forward to strengthening our presence in the country”.
Beyond boosting production, the project will generate multiple social and economic benefits, contributing directly to key Sustainable Development Goals including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
The programme aims to increase agricultural productivity.
The initiative is expected to deliver broad benefits across local communities.
Case IH presenting models from the compact Quantum range right through to the powerful Optum.(Image credit: Case IH)
Case IH is set to make a strong impression at Agribex 2025 in Brussels, highlighting its commitment to Belgian farmers with a full display of innovative tractors, advanced precision technology, and next-generation equipment.
Taking place from 3–7 December, the exhibition will see Case IH presenting models from the compact Quantum range right through to the powerful Optum, ensuring every farming sector is represented. Visitors to Hall 6, Stand 6200, will also witness the Belgian debut of the refreshed 100–117hp Farmall C tractors.
The latest Farmall C line-up has been updated with customer-focused features, offering a choice between the familiar 24F/24R ActiveDrive 2 transmission or a new 12F/12R ManualDrive option, equipped with a clutchless electronic power shuttle. For specialist tasks, operators can add eight creep speeds, expanding the range to 20F/20R. Both transmissions now benefit from the ActiveClutch brake-to-clutch system, designed to improve ease of control, especially during intensive loader work. Supporting this, Case IH’s new factory-fitted L635 mechanical self-levelling front loaders provide an impressive 2.0t lift capacity and reach of 3.8m.
A major attraction will be the Puma 185, representing the newly introduced generation of Puma tractors. Featuring contemporary styling, improved front axle suspension and tighter turning capability, it brings enhancements across transmission performance, braking efficiency and rear implement connectivity. The stand will also showcase a Puma 220, equipped with dual narrow wheels, tyres and a central tyre inflation system supplied by Gruva designed specifically for the needs of root crop growers.
Case IH’s presence continues with the compact Farmlift 626 telescopic handler, capable of lifting 2.6t to 6.0m, and the RB456 Rotor Cutter baler, known for producing high-density variable-chamber bales up to 1.65m with either 13 or 25 knives. The brand will also engage visitors through special initiatives. “We’ll also have a special focus for Ladies’ Day on Thursday, December 4,” said Matthias Claerbout, Marketing Manager Benelux for Case IH.
“This initiative underscores our dedication to shaping a future where women in agriculture thrive – empowering them with technology, and opportunities to lead the industry forward. In addition, we are supporting the Workshop Live project from Thomas More school, providing Case IH machines for live workshop activities by students, underlining our belief in the next generation of engineers.”
The Braud 8.50L can empty directly into trailers up to 3m high, significantly reducing downtime and maximising each harvesting shift.(Image credit: New Holland)
Vicar sprayers are proving to be a formidable investment for South African farmers striving for smarter. (Image credit: Vicar)
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Latest News
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The programme aims to increase agricultural productivity.
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The initiative is expected to deliver broad benefits across local communities.
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Nigeria and Botswana collaborates to modernise livestock sector. (Image credit: Federal Ministry of Livestock Development)
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Nigeria aims to lead West Africa towards a more secure and resilient livestock future.(Image credit: AgroNigeria)
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The project will generate multiple social and economic benefits.(Image credit: Proparco)
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This summit will serve as a powerful platform to foster gender equality and economic inclusion, helping shape the future of African agriculture for the better. (Image credit: AGM)
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These initiatives form part of a broader economic strategy to boost food production, create job opportunities, and address food insecurity not just in Ghana. (Image credit: MOFA)
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Vicar sprayers are proving to be a formidable investment for South African farmers striving for smarter. (Image credit: Vicar)
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The Braud 8.50L can empty directly into trailers up to 3m high, significantly reducing downtime and maximising each harvesting shift.(Image credit: New Holland)
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Case IH presenting models from the compact Quantum range right through to the powerful Optum.(Image credit: Case IH)
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