Event News

NOVUS organises webinar series on milk fat depression

image_shows_awareness_being_spread_on_milk_fat_depression_by_NOVUS's_webinar_series

NOVUS experts will provide insights into the biological and economic impacts of milk fat depression. (Image source: NOVUS)

To support the dairy industry with the widespread challenge of milk fat depression, NOVUS is hosting a webinar series on milk fat depression awareness

The two-part educational initiative focuses on identifying this challenge and the causes behind it, along with providing actionable solutions to improve milk fat production and farm profitability. NOVUS experts will provide insights into the biological and economic impacts of milk fat depression, helping webinar participants to gain practical knowledge on identifying the issue in individual cows and herds, along with strategies to mitigate its effects.

“Milk fat depression is a multi-faceted challenge that significantly impacts dairy operations, particularly where farming conditions play a role,” said NOVUS expert, Edwin Westreicher. “Our goal with this webinar series is to empower producers and nutritionists with science-backed strategies to recognise and address this challenge effectively, helping them maximise both productivity and profitability.”

Another expert, Hannah Tucker highlighted that milk fat depression not only impacts profits, but can also disrupt the sustainability goals of modern dairy farms. “By offering actionable insights and reliable solutions, we aim to support producers in overcoming these challenges and achieving long-term success,” said Tucker.

The first two webinars titled: ‘Milk Fat Depression: What It Is and Why It Matters’ and ‘Is Milk Fat Depression Impacting Your Profits?’ are scheduled to take place on 13 March and 24 April 2025 respectively.

To register for these free-to-attend webinars, visit: https://novusint.co/MilkFat

International Agri Expo prepares to open its doors this October in Kenya

image_shows_presentation_on_the_upcoming_International_Agri_Expo in Kenya

The show will create opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and deal-making. (Image source: Agri Africa)

The 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo is scheduled to take place from 28-31 October 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya and aims to enhance Kenya’s agricultural productivity

Ahead of this premier event, the Agri-Africa Exhibition Limited Kenya and Hongxing International Exhibition Co., Ltd. China recently signed a collaborative agreement facilitated by Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) China, marking the beginning of a dynamic partnership.

Expected to attract key players, including government representatives, investors, technology providers, and agricultural entrepreneurs, the show will provide a robust platform for business interactions between African agricultural stakeholders and international players in the global agriculture ecosystem.

ECOWAS concludes five-day retreat in Nigeria

The final day of the retreat began with a session on ECOWAS procurement codes and IT system development guidelines. (Image source: ECOWAS)

The Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) successfully concluded a five-day strategic retreat held from 10-14 February at Zuma Resort in Nigeria

The retreat brought together DARD leadership, project managers, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) experts, and staff working with DARD. The event focused on strategising, knowledge sharing, reviewing past achievements, aligning with ECOWAS’ vision for agricultural development, and fostering collaboration to achieve food security and sustainable rural development across West Africa. It was also an opportunity to provide technical onboarding for four new professional staff that joined ECOWAS between December 2024 and January 2025.

The five-day working session was opened by the director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alain Sy TRAORE, who welcomed all staff and Experts, including the newly recruited staff, and emphasised the importance of the event in aligning the directorate’s efforts with ECOWAS’ broader vision. “This retreat is a critical opportunity for us to reflect on our achievements, align our efforts with ECOWAS’ broader vision, and chart a course for the future. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can ensure that our agricultural programmes have a lasting impact on food security and rural development across the region.”

Each unit within DARD gave detailed presentations highlighting their achievements, interactions with projects and programmes, and future perspectives. Participants also engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions on communication tools and internal management systems, including SharePoint, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook. One of the highlights of the retreat were the team-building activities anchored by the team building expert, Olubusola OGUNLOLU. Insights were given on work planning and reporting, with participants collaborating to prepare quarterly work plans and reports. Group presentations and discussions allowed for the exchange of ideas and best practices, ensuring alignment across the directorate. The retreat concluded with a session on various procedures and IT guidance, providing clarity on key operational processes.

The final day of the retreat began with a session on ECOWAS procurement codes and IT system development guidelines. The DARD director delivered a keynote address, outlining expectations for staff and encouraging innovative thinking to drive the directorate’s mission forward.

Ethiopia's premier trade show prepares to kick off this April

Image_shows_exhibition_area_at_Ethiopia's_premier_trade_show

The 2025 Hortiflora Expo is anticipated to surpass 2023’s event, with even more exhibitors and larger booths showcasing a broader array of flowers and fresh produce. (Image source: HortiFlora)

The next edition of Ethiopia’s premier international horticulture and floriculture trade fair 'HortiFlora' has been announced and is set to take place from 1-3 April 2025

The previous event, held in 2023, concluded with strong outcomes for both exhibitors and attendees, marking a significant return after a four-year hiatus. Nearly 100 companies participated, drawing a robust turnout of international buyers eager to explore Ethiopia’s offerings for export.

The 2025 Hortiflora Expo is anticipated to surpass 2023’s event, with even more exhibitors and larger booths showcasing a broader array of flowers and fresh produce.

Additionally, with the Ethiopian Birr now a free-floating currency, Ethiopian exports have gained a competitive edge, enhancing the country’s appeal as a business destination. This currency shift is expected to draw even more international buyers next April, eager to source high-quality fresh flowers and produce from Ethiopia.

Schwab Foundation Award presented to Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative

Delegates_being_addressed_at_WEF's_Schwab_Foundation_Awards

Abraham Baffoe, global and Africa director of Proforest addressing delegates at World Economic Forum' Schwab Foundation Awards. (Image source: Proforest)

The Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative (ASCI) has been selected as a winner of the Schwab Foundation Awards 2025

Proforest’s Africa and Global director, Abraham Baffoe has received the award for Collective Social Innovators on behalf of ASCI today at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. The Schwab Foundation awards recognise outstanding social entrepreneurs and innovators who are driving systemic change around the world. The 2025 awards celebrate 18 social entrepreneurs and innovators from 15 organisations in 13 countries, who are engaged in action as diverse as protecting nature, supporting livelihoods of economically marginalised communities, and transforming healthcare and education. ASCI is joining a global community of nearly 500 social entrepreneurs and innovators, who collectively impact 931 million lives.

Agriculture is a key economic driver in Africa, providing jobs and livelihoods for millions of people, but it is also a cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss and human rights abuses. To help navigate the complexities of balancing agricultural development to feed the growing population while protecting forests and biodiversity, the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative brings ten countries in West and Central Africa together, committed to principles of responsible production, in a way that protects natural resources and advances human rights and livelihoods.

These ten countries – Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone – represent 75% of Africa’s tropical forests and 25% globally.

Abraham has been instrumental in leading the ASCI since its inception as the Africa Palm Oil Initiative in 2014. Over ten years the collective has driven changes in policy, established new national process and built capacity, creating an enabling environment for long-term, sustainable growth and development, through an African-owned and led initiative, inclusive of government, private sector and communities.

“This award is an honour I share with all the members of the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative,” said Abraham Baffoe, Proforest Africa and Global Executive director. “ASCI embeds the multi-stakeholder process at every stage and every level, which has been a crucial element in its ongoing success. This recognition from the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is a springboard to what I hope will be further global engagement and investment through ASCI, where there is so much opportunity ahead, and so much need to support livelihoods for millions of people and protect our natural resources in Africa.”

Sidebar