Latest news with #Agribusiness
Al Bawaba
16-07-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
DIB Strengthens Global Agri-Financing with Participation in Landmark US$1.85 Billion Facility for Olam Agri
DIB, the world's first Islamic bank and the largest in the UAE, has announced its participation, alongside a group of international lenders, in a landmark US$1.85 billion syndicated dual-tranche financing facility extended to Olam Agri, a leading global acted as the Senior Mandated Lead Arranger and Investment Agent for the Islamic tranche, reinforcing its role as a leading provider of Shariah-compliant cross-border financing for high-impact sectors. The three-year facility will be used for general corporate purposes and reflects the continued growth of values-driven finance in global Agri is majority-owned by Singapore's Olam Group with a significant minority stake held by the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company plays a critical role in enhancing food security and supply chain resilience across global transaction adds to DIB's growing portfolio of Islamic syndications across emerging sectors, demonstrating the bank's ability to channel Islamic capital into industries of global Ahmad, Chief of Investment Banking at DIB, commented: 'We are really pleased to have closed our first deal with Olam Agri. This transaction is a clear reflection of the growing global demand for Islamic liquidity — not as an alternative, but as a core instrument for financing the real economy. DIB's role in leading the Islamic tranche demonstrates our ability to bring structure, scale, and certainty to complex, cross-border mandates. Beyond its economic contributions, Agri-finance is essential to building resilient food systems and strengthening supply chains. By supporting this sector through a Shariah-compliant framework, we reinforce our belief that Islamic finance has a central role to play in addressing global sustainability challenges. This includes advancing inclusive economic growth, promoting responsible resource use, and fostering innovation across DIB, we view Islamic finance as a forward-driving force — one that is not just aligned with global capital markets, but actively shaping their future through values-led structures and real-economy outcomes.' The transaction also reflects DIB's commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on inclusive economic growth, sustainable infrastructure, and global partnerships. By financing companies that integrate sustainability and innovation into their core operations, DIB continues to advance its mission of enabling long-term, ethical impact through Islamic finance.
ABC News
02-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Agriculture subjects introduced at Perth high schools amid skills shortage
Finn Sugars is just one of many year 12 students trying to figure out his next chapter in life before his upcoming graduation. "I think I want to go to university, but I want to go into data analytics and finance in agriculture," he said. Finn is enrolled in the recently developed Agribusiness ATAR course at Guildford Grammar, to equip year 11 and 12 students with practical knowledge and technical skills needed for modern careers as the farming workforce ages. "So far we've learnt about free-trade agreements with different countries, how Australia sits in international markets, things like that," Finn said. He added that being surrounded by boarders sparked his curiosity around agriculture, considering he didn't grow up on a farm. "I've been able to visit places like Corrigin, to understand more about sheep, the price of them, different types of breeding," he said. As part of the subject, Guildford students had been given access to local agribusinesses and the chance to engage directly with local producers. Western Australia's largest citrus producer Moora Citrus's chief executive officer Shane Kay said his business needed people who could work with technology. "Businesses like ours are moving towards using more and more technology; you need those experienced people to run certain aspects of the business," Mr Kay said. "There has always been a lack in that middle-management area where you might want irrigation managers or people who understand computers, you need them to be able to run and manage those. Scotch College is another Perth school in the early phases of ATAR agribusiness. Teacher James Rees said there was an increase in students choosing agribusiness at the school. "We have 22 students who have enrolled to take the course next year, that's up from nine students this year," Mr Rees said. He believes the potential of this type of education is limited only by the capabilities and expertise of the teaching staff. "I think understanding how primary production works is important. The barrier is finding schools that are willing to take the risk on a new subject and allocate the resources to that," Mr Rees said. Further south of Perth, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar is collaborating with the University of WA (UWA) to assist in exploring innovative ways to apply science and technology to support the future of farming. UWA's Andrew Guzzomi said farming machinery was becoming more sophisticated and would need people to develop and use it. "I think it is because of a lack of exposure. "It's not just me that has noticed this gap. Skills Australia has officially recognised that there is an area lacking in these skills. He said their work had received strong support. "At the University of Western Australia we are fortunate to have funding from the federal government and the Grains Research Development Centre to address these needs." Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School principal Matthew O'Brien said the school's journey toward greater agricultural engagement began two years ago with the leasing of land to establish a school farm. "The business of farming is becoming more complex, we have parents coming to us asking, 'What are we doing as a school to develop this?'" he said. "So we are developing a program to assist with those science and business skills, with the help of Andrew and UWA." Mr O'Brien said the school had deliberately chosen not to offer ATAR agricultural subjects at this stage, as part of a considered strategic approach. "We are wanting to build first the pipeline earlier on so then the students have the desire to do the agricultural ATAR subjects with integrity when we get to that point."
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South African agribusiness optimism remains despite confidence index dip
After a notable uptick in Q1 2025, the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) fell by 5 points in Q2 2025 to 65. Most respondents pointed to the uncertain global trade environment, lingering geopolitical tensions, and the domestic animal disease challenge as some of the key factors constraining the sector. Despite the slight decline, the current level of the ACI implies that South African agribusinesses remain optimistic about business conditions in the country. The better summer rains and improvements at the ports, which have enabled exports with minimal interruptions, are some of the positives. This survey was conducted in the second week of June, covering various agribusinesses operating in all agricultural subsectors across South Africa. Figure 1: Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (Shaded areas indicate periods indicate periods of drought in South Africa.)">Source: Agbiz Research, South African Weather Service (Shaded areas indicate periods indicate periods of drought in South Africa.) Discussion of the subindices The ACI comprises ten subindices; six of them declined in Q2 2025, while the rest remained unchanged. Here is the detailed view of the subindices. • The turnover subindex confidence is down by 5 points to 55 in Q2 2025. We observed a deterioration in sentiment among agribusinesses operating in the red meat sector, while others maintained a roughly unchanged view from the previous quarter. Similarly, the net operating income subindex fell by 5 points to 65 points in Q2 2025. The drivers were the same as the turnover. • The sub-index measuring export sentiment volume fell by 40 points to 60 in Q2 2025. This is still a relatively favourable level. For example, in Q1 2025, South Africa's agricultural exports totalled $3.36bn, up 10% from the same period a year ago, according to data from Trade Map. Thus, the decline in sentiment in Q2 is a normalisation. • The general economic conditions subindex fell by 15 points to 50 in Q2 2025. This indicates concerns about growth prospects this year due to both domestic and global constraints. • The market share of the agribusiness subindex fell by 5 to 65 points in Q2 2025. Most respondents maintained an essentially unchanged view, which enabled the high base to lead to a mild decline in sentiment. Unchanged view • The employment subindex remained flat from the previous quarter at 55 points in Q2 2025. The generally favourable sentiment reflects the upbeat production conditions in field crops and horticulture. • The capital investments subindex was unchanged from Q1 2025 at 75 points. This is unsurprising, as high-frequency data, such as tractor and combine harvester sales, have remained strong in the first five months of this year. • The general agricultural conditions subindex remained unchanged at 80 points from the first quarter of 2025. This mirrors the positive effects of La Niña rains in the 2024/25 summer season, which have boosted the production conditions in field crops and horticulture. Changes in interpretation • The subindices of the debtor provision for bad debt and financing costs are interpreted differently from the abovementioned indices. A decline is viewed as a favourable development, while an increase signals growing financial strain. • In Q2 2025, the financing costs indices increased by 10 points to 85. This came as a surprise, as the easing interest rates in the country would have made the financing environment better. • However, the debtor provision for bad debt was unchanged from Q1 2025 at 50. The subindex remaining at this level suggests that some farmers may still face financial pressures from the previous season, and there will likely be more from the livestock industry, which is currently struggling with foot-and-mouth disease. In essence, the ACI results for Q2 2025 illustrate that the mood in the sector remains upbeat about the recovery this year. Still, the results also show that the recovery will likely be uneven as some key subsectors struggle with animal disease. The dominance of geopolitical concerns amongst respondents' views illustrates South Africa's agricultural sector's strong dependence on export markets and the need to work to diversify markets. China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are among the key markets we should expand into. Still, as we drive the diversification, we must work vigorously to retain the access we have in various markets in the EU, UK, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, amongst others. Also important are the collaborative efforts between business and government on addressing the biosecurity issues in South Africa's agriculture, along with pushing for more efficient network industries, better management of the municipalities, and the implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, which is key for the long-term growth of the sector. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Agriculture profitability outlook boosted after a surprise rate cut, the first for 2025
The Sarb's recent surprise decision to cut interest rates by 0.25% effective from 30 May 2025 provides a further boost for the agriculture profitability outlook. This is a welcome reprieve for farmers in terms of reduced debt servicing costs following a drought-induced agriculture contraction, with overall sector performance dropping by 8% year-on-year, with debt uptake already up by 8% year-on-year at R221.82bn. Total agriculture debt increased by 67% in the past ten years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. Improved margins and investment recovery Not only will the interest rate cut help ease pressure on profit margins, but it will also spur investment recovery in the sector as output rebounds on the back of favourable production conditions. The signals for an agricultural growth upswing include a 15.7% year-on-year increase in the expected 2024/25 summer crop harvest, a rebound in agriculture machinery sales, and the bullishness in the Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI). The quarterly ACI update for Q1 of 2025 surged by 11 points from Q4 of 2024 to reach the highest level since Q4 of 2021, to 70 points. Agri machinery sales show strong recovery We saw an uptick in agriculture machinery sales total for Q1 of 2025 increasing by a whopping 27% relative to the same period in 2024 at 1,827units, and were up 22% for the year to April 2025 at 2,400 units, according to the South African Agriculture Machinery Association's (SAAMA) update in April 2025.05. Further, the recent cut and more in the offing for later in the year will help lift consumer confidence and boost demand for agricultural commodities in a benign inflation and macroeconomic outlook. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Financing Agribusiness towards Africa's Food Security: The EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce invites stakeholders to join its Forum on May 24th in Abidjan
The EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) ( invites you to the high-level ' Financing Agribusiness in Africa ' Forum, taking place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Palais des Expositions in Abidjan. This landmark forum brings together decision-makers, investors, development finance institutions, agribusiness leaders, startups, and key technical partners to close the $65 billion financing gap holding back Africa's food potential. ' Transforming Africa's agriculture requires more than ideas — it demands financing, partnerships, and action. This forum turns conversations into commitments and projects into investable opportunities.' says Sonia Toro, Executive Director of the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce. Forum Highlights Panels: Insightful sessions on financing barriers, structural challenges, and blended finance. Expected speakers include: H.E.M. Beugré Mambé (TBC), Dr. Tchepelayi Kabata (BADEA), Dr. Hermann Messan (IFAD), Mr. Joseph Nyemah (FAO). Pitch Session: high-potential agribusiness projects will pitch to investors and DFIs. Evening B2B Dinner Launch of the EUACC Agri Financing Programme The forum will also kick off the EUACC Agribusiness Programme, a multi-year pipeline to accelerate bankable projects across the continent. The outcome? A Call to Action for COP30 in Brazil, demanding risk-sharing tools and blended finance to drive food sovereignty and resilience. Acknowledgements EUACC sincerely thanks its partners and sponsors: Sponsors: AFG Group, Cadesa Coop Partners: EMPACT, SPECI, CCI-CI, CGECI, FIPME, Côte d'Ivoire Export, BADEA, ARTCI Institutional Support: Ministry of Trade&Industry, Ministry of Women, Family&Children Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC). Contact&Accreditation: press@ About the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC): The EUACC is a private organisation established in 2012 which plays a key role in connecting businesses, supporting innovation, trade facilitation, and market access. Through this forum, EUACC reaffirms its commitment to unlocking agribusiness potential through sustainable investment in Africa.
