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.”

Numerous representatives from business, associations and politics took part in the opening ceremony. (Image source: Messe Essen GmbH)

The 41st International Plant Fair (IPM) officially opened on 28 January and welcomed trade visitors from all over the world to Messe Essen

Until 31 January, more than 1,400 exhibitors from around 50 countries will be showcasing their products from the fields of plants, technology, floristry and garden features. Numerous representatives from business, associations and politics took part in the opening ceremony.

With 1,400 exhibitors from around 50 countries showcasing their products from the fields of plants, technology, floristry and garden features, the trade show demonstrated the achievements of the green sector. Numerous representatives from business, associations and politics took part in the opening ceremony. Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf, president of the Central Horticultural Association (ZVG) and the NRW State Horticultural Association, emphasised the importance of the world's leading horticultural trade fair in her speech. At the same time, she appealed to politicians to optimise the framework conditions: “Horticulture is facing up to climate change and the associated challenges. Now is the time for horticulture to receive the political support it needs.” 

“North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany's number one horticultural state, both in terms of plant production and the wide range of high quality horticultural services on offer. Here in NRW, the industry also comes together at the most important international horticultural trade fair to present new innovations and to network. We are proud of our strong, vibrant and innovative horticultural industry," Minister Gorißen assured. "The sector will continue to need good framework conditions and planning security in the future. As Minister of Agriculture, I will continue to stand up for our businesses, for example when it comes to reducing bureaucracy. We need more practicable and practical solutions, which is why I hope that the new federal government will show greater commitment to horticultural businesses.”

These are the IPM novelties 2025 The ‘IPM Novelty Showcase’ competition initiated by the ZVG once again proved that the green sector is innovative and powerful with a lively participation: 33 exhibitors from eleven countries submitted a total of 55 plant innovations in the run-up to the trade fair. One of the highlights of the opening was therefore the ceremonial announcement of this year's winners. A total of seven new varieties were honoured in different categories and one additional plant was awarded a special prize by the jury.

The certificates were presented by Andreas Kröger, ZVG Vice President (Hamburg) and the German Flower Fairy 2024/25, Anne-Marie Bals.

Categories

In the ‘Spring Flowering Plants' category, the expert committee chose Primula acaulis Flamenco Mix F1 from Rudy Raes Bloemzaden n.v. in Belgium. This flamenco dancer has uniquely fringed flowers and pays homage to Spanish tradition. For the jury, the ruffled flowers, which are unique to F1 hybrids, were the deciding factor for the award. This is completely new for generatively propagated primroses and offers a cultivation advantage for growers.

In the ‘Bedding and Balcony Plants’ category, Sundaville Blue from Suntory Flowers Europe in the Netherlands was honoured as the ‘IPM Novelty 2025’. The attractive growth with less vigorous tendrils makes this Sundaville so special. The extraordinary colour of the flowers varies from pink to shades of blue-violet. It flowers throughout the summer and also likes a spot in full sun.

In the ‘Flowering Indoor Pot Plants’ category, Cyclamen persicum ‘Illusia’ from Schoneveld breeding in the Netherlands was awarded the title ‘IPM Novelty 2025’. The new flower shape means it is not immediately recognisable as a typical cyclamen. In full bloom, it resembles a corolla with countless buds underneath. It is best suited for autumn cultivation. The consumer can enjoy an excellent shelf life of up to four weeks without the flowers ageing.

In the ‘Tree Nursery Products’ category, the jury chose Cornus kousa Flower Tower from Diderk Heinje Pflanzenhandelsg.mbH & Co. KG from Germany. The particularly slender shape can be a highlight for small gardens in urban areas and thus expands the range of the attractive Cornus kousa for another important use. The abundant flowering and exciting autumn colours complete the picture.

Asplenium antiquum ‘Yuaspgio’ Gioia from Vitro Plus B.V. in the Netherlands was honoured in the ‘Foliage Indoor Pot Plants’ category. This fern expands the extensive range of green houseplants with unique, serrated leaves and a stunning, fresh green colour that brightens up any interior. An excellent new trend fern and a variation on the existing bird's nest ferns.

The expo is an excellent showcase for organic and natural products. (Image source:

The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa will welcome visitors to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 28-30 March 2025 as the Western Cape’s leading showcase for organic and natural products

The expo has been designed as a hybrid event that caters to trade buyers, while at the same time allowing retail sales directly to consumers. The event will showcase local and international manufacturers, suppliers, importers and exporters. According to Warren Hickinbotham, head of sponsorship and partnerships, the 2025 edition has already attracted unprecedented interest.

A key feature of the 2025 expo will be an increased focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “The organic and natural products sector is predominantly driven by small businesses, many of which create truly innovative products but struggle with the cost of exhibiting,” explains Hickinbotham. 

To address this, the expo will once again include the SME Showcase Pavilion, a concept supported by Standard Bank over the past two years, which enables corporate sponsors to facilitate the participation of a number of small businesses, giving them valuable exposure to trade buyers and consumers. “While Standard Bank have again stepped up, we need more corporates to come to the party.  A mobile network operator, a technology brand, an insurance company and more are all examples of corporates who can benefit by getting involved,” adds Hickinbotham. In addition, a new subsidised trading table concept, which offers cost-effective exhibition opportunities, will assist in making the show more accessible to emerging businesses.

“Small business is the cornerstone of job creation across South Africa. When facilitating this within a sector that is focussed on health, wellbeing and sustainability, it just feels even better,” says Hickinbotham.

The event continues to receive strong support from key industry bodies. These include the South African Organic Sector Organisation, the Health Products Association, the Cosmetic Export Council of South Africa, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the Western Cape Department of Economic Development, WESGRO and various international partners.

Visitors can expect to discover a diverse range of organic and natural products, from locally produced goods to international innovations, across a range of categories including Health, Body & Beauty, Lifestyle, Home, Food & Drink and Baby & Kids.

The show will also feature interactive demonstrations, expert talks and opportunities to engage directly with producers and industry leaders. All exhibitors will receive 12 months free exposure on the Organic & Natural Portal, and extending their reach beyond the three-day event

The theme of Konya Agriculture Fair is ‘Gateway to International Agriculture’. (Image source: TÜYAP)

The 21st Konya Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanisation, and Field Technologies Fair is set to take place from 8-12 April 2025, at the Konya Chamber of Commerce - Tüyap Fair and Congresse Centre 

Known as one of Türkiye’s largest and most significant agricultural fairs, the event will bring together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to showcase the latest developments in agricultural mechanisation and field technologies. This year, the fair will be held in an exhibition space of 96,000 sq m, providing ample room for exhibitors to present their products and technologies to a diverse audience. 

Konya, recognised as the agricultural capital of Türkiye, holds a strategic position in the global agricultural machinery market. With its advanced industrial infrastructure and vast agricultural lands, the city has become a key player in the production and export of agricultural machinery, including tractors, seeders, harvesters, and trailers. While Türkiye’s agricultural machinery exports reach approximately US$1.5bn annually, Konya plays a vital role in this sector, exporting products to 187 countries worldwide.

The Konya Agriculture Fair has become an essential platform for showcasing Türkiye’s growth in agricultural machinery and technological innovation. It is a unique opportunity for companies and professionals to discover the latest advancements in farming technologies and to engage in meaningful business partnerships.

The Konya Agriculture Fair serves as a global stage for presenting cutting-edge solutions in sustainable farming practices and agricultural mechanisation. This year’s fair, with its theme “The Gateway to International Agriculture,” will highlight the latest in smart farming technologies, precision agriculture, and sustainability-driven solutions. The event will feature a wide range of products, from traditional machinery to high-tech solutions designed to improve efficiency and productivity in agricultural practices.

With a focus on showcasing the innovations shaping the future of agriculture, the fair provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with industry leaders and explore new business prospects in rapidly expanding markets.

As a key logistical hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Türkiye is strategically positioned to serve as a trade gateway for agricultural businesses. The Konya Agriculture Fair is expected to draw thousands of visitors, including agricultural professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, and experts from across the globe. The event will offer an excellent opportunity for networking, discovering new market trends, and forging strategic partnerships in the agricultural sector.