Latest news with #EUACC
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Financing Agribusiness in Africa: A Call-to-Action echoes from Abidjan to Brazil
The European-Union -Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) ( successfully hosted the first edition of the Financing Agribusiness in Africa Forum on May 24, 2025, at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan. The Forum gathered key stakeholders including representatives from various Ivorian ministries, the Consul General of Côte d'Ivoire in New York and General Delegate of the Economic Promotion Service of Côte d'Ivoire in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Mr. Inza Camara, as well as investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners. The Forum also welcomed the special participation of Dr. Peter Boamah Otukonor, Director of the Presidential Initiative in Agriculture and Agribusiness of Ghana, who led a delegation of project owners. The EUACC forum sent a clear signal: unlocking Africa's agricultural future requires bold financing strategies, inclusive solutions, and regional commitment. At the core of the event was the unveiling of the EUACC Financing Agribusiness in Africa Programme and the issuing of a Call to Action, a landmark framework outlining 10 pillars to catalyze investment, scale agribusiness, and accelerate inclusive growth across the continent. The Call to Action sets clear priorities—from access to blended finance and climate resilience to youth innovation and regional integration—and will be officially presented at COP30 in Belém, Brazil (November 2025). Structured Dialogue Across Three Key Panels The Forum featured three high-level panel discussions; each tied to core chapters of the Call to Action: • Panel 1: Bridging the $65 Billion Gap – Innovative Finance Models for Agribusiness • Panel 2: Unlocking Scalable Financing for Agri-business in Africa • Panel 3: What Local Entrepreneurs Face on the Ground Contributors included distinguished representatives from BADEA, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), and the Interprofessional Fund for Agricultural Research and Advisory Services from Côte d'Ivoire (FIRCA) Launch of the Call to Action – 10 Pillars for Agrifinance Transformation The document is directly aligned with the EUACC's Financing Agribusiness in Africa programme (a €100M blended finance platform for agri-projects) and the YES Programme (Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future), which targets 1,000+ youth through innovation labs, bootcamps, and startup funds. Pitching Session – Celebrating Agribusiness projects The Forum also hosted a dynamic Pitching Session, where eight high-potential agri-projects were showcased. A project winner was recognised for her innovation and scalability: Mrs Mathila Soumahoro, for her project focused on Sustainable Aquaponics for Food Security and Youth Empowerment. Her innovative solution—Aquaponics—is a closed-loop ecosystem combining aquaculture (raising fish or other aquatic organisms) with hydroponics (soilless cultivation of plants). The venture, along with others presented, is now onboarded into the EUACC Investment Portfolio to receive technical support and matchmaking with financial institutions. A Growing Pipeline: Available Projects EUACC now holds a curated portfolio of projects accessible to interested financiers. These include ventures in agro-processing, tech-enabled logistics, AI traceability, and regenerative agriculture. Institutional investors, DFIs, and climate funds are invited to contact the EUACC for engagement. A Word from the Executive Director " Financing agribusiness is not just an economic opportunity—it's a strategic pathway to Africa's resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Our role at the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce is to connect them with the right finance, at the right time, for the right impact. This forum is another step of the EUACC's long-term commitment to unlock capital where it matters most." – Sonia Toro, Executive Director, EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce Special thanks The EUACC would like to express our sincere gratitude to our valued sponsors — Atlantic Cocoa Corporation, CADESA Coop, and Bassivoire — whose generous support and commitment have been instrumental in making the Financing Agribusiness in Africa Forum a reality. Their engagement reflects a shared belief in the importance of catalyzing sustainable investment and innovation across Africa's agribusiness sector. Next Steps: From Abidjan to Brazil and Beyond The EUACC Call to Action will be formally presented at COP30 in Brazil (November 2025). The momentum will continue into 2026, with a second edition of the Forum already being prepared. This upcoming edition will expand partnerships and deepen financing opportunities for African agribusiness. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC).
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.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Blockchain & AI B2B Days: Ghanaian Startups Embrace Côte d'Ivoire's Digital Momentum
The Blockchain&AI B2B Days, held on April 8–9, 2025 at the Postel 2001 building in Abidjan, marked a major milestone in West Africa's digital transformation journey. Organized by the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) ( the event gathered participants from across Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, France, Belgium, and Seychelles, including startup founders, corporate leaders, policy-makers, etc. Supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands under the Netherlands Trust Fund V – Ghana Tech Project, the event was designed to foster cross-border collaboration and elevate Africa's positioning in blockchain and AI-driven innovation. ' These two days were meant to create a space of convergence for talents, ideas, institutions, and opportunities in a digitally transforming Africa. Blockchain and AI are not reserved for global powers — they are tools we must embrace and adapt to build inclusive, competitive, and sustainable solutions. This is the spirit of our regional strategy, and the drive behind the upcoming Abidjan Blockchain Week in July 2025.' — Sonia Toro, Executive Director, EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce Key Moments - Opening keynote by Kounandi Stéphane Coulibaly, Director of Innovation, Startups&Private Sector – Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalisation of Côte d'Ivoire. - A powerful panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of AI and blockchain in Africa, featuring leaders from ITC Ghana, Binance Africa, StratejAI, and the EUACC. - A live testimony on the Ivorian business climate from Mohamed Sounkere, CEO of VEONE. - A dynamic pitching session showcasing 9 startups from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire building blockchain and AI-based solutions. - An immersive excursion at VITIB Technopole in Grand-Bassam, reserved for a select delegation of 30 participants (among more than 65 expressions of interest). Figures that Matter - 384 B2B meetings successfully held: - 155 on Day 1 - 229 on Day 2 - 30 participants selected for the VITIB excursion - 9 startups selected to pitch their solutions live Pitching Awards – Spotlight on the Winners 1. Digitech (Côte d'Ivoire) – the most scalable solution 2. Npontu (Ghana) – Most innovative use of blockchain and/or IA 3. Farafinah Kanu ( (Côte d'Ivoire) – Jury's favorite ' Blockchain is more than a revolutionary technology — it is a powerful driver of transparency, security, efficiency, and innovation. By investing in Blockchain&AI technologies today, we lay the foundation for a strong, ethical, and globally competitive Ivorian economy.' — Kounandi Stéphane Coulibaly, Ministry of Digital Transition, Côte d'Ivoire Sponsor Recognition The event was made possible thanks to the support of: - Binance Africa (Main Sponsor) - VEONE (Testimonial Partner) - VITIB Technopole (Excursion Host&Sponsor) ' Blockchain and AI are at the forefront of Africa's digital revolution, transforming industries and driving economic growth. At Binance, we're proud to support initiatives like the Blockchain&AI B2B event, fostering cross-border innovation and partnerships. Together, we can unlock new opportunities for startups and accelerate Africa's digital future.' — Anointing Ngoa Atangana, Head of Operations, Francophone Africa – Binance What's Next The Blockchain&AI B2B Days set the stage for the Abidjan Blockchain Week, to be held in July 2025 within the framework of the Ivoire Tech Forum, under the patronage of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalisation. Please find here a full post-event report and photo gallery: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC). For media inquiries, partnerships, or future collaborations, please contact: info@
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Blockchain & Artificial Intelligence (AI) B2B: Unlocking B2B Innovation and Opportunities in Côte d'Ivoire, Supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund V Ghana Tech Project
The EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) ( is pleased to announce the Blockchain&AI B2B, taking place in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) on 8-9 April 2025, with the support of the International Trade Center (ITC) and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Netherlands Trust Fund V Ghana Tech Project. This event is embedded in and part of a trade mission bringing startups from Ghana to Côte d'Ivoire, with the goal of fostering partnerships between stakeholders from both countries. The trade mission will also include a tour visit to VITIB, the Ivorian Tech Village, a key hub for digital and technological innovation in the region. This initiative serves as a key milestone in the lead-up to the Abidjan Blockchain Week, scheduled for July 2025, as part of the IVOIRETECH FORUM organized by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization of Côte d'Ivoire. Fostering Cross-Border Innovation&Partnerships With Africa's digital landscape evolving rapidly, AI and blockchain technologies are at the heart of transformative change. Highlights include: Expert Panels on the role of blockchain and AI in economic transformation B2B Networking and Matchmaking sessions Pitching Sessions featuring innovative blockchain and AI-powered startups from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. VITIB Tech Village Tour, an immersive visit to local innovation hubs showcasing real-world applications of AI and blockchain. Binance Africa Joins as a Key Sponsor With the support of Binance Africa, a leading player in the blockchain industry, the event will gain increased visibility and outreach. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC). About the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC): The EUACC, established in 2012, plays a critical role in connecting businesses, supporting innovation, trade facilitation, and market access. Through this event, EUACC reaffirms its commitment to driving digital inclusion and economic growth in Africa.
