African forum on agricultural investment focuses on innovation and long-term growth

Friday 18 April 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

African forum on agricultural investment focuses on innovation and long-term growth

Benguerir has emerged as a pivotal location for Africa’s agricultural visionaries this week, hosting the third edition of the African Forum on Investment in Agricultural Value Chains. This event highlights innovation and investment as essential tools for sustainable transformation within the continent's agricultural landscape.

The forum is part of the MAVA initiative, launched by INNOVX in collaboration with the OCP Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Since its inception in late 2023, MAVA has aimed to foster sustainable and resilient food systems across Africa by uniting private and public stakeholders, smallholder farmers, startups, and investors. Its mission is to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential through innovative ideas and targeted funding.

This year, the forum shifted its focus to practical alliances and actionable projects rather than merely discussing broad concepts. Amine Houssaim, CEO of INNOVX, emphasized the initiative's commitment to connecting innovation with local agricultural needs, stating, “MAVA reflects a shared ambition between INNOVX, IFC, and the OCP Group. We believe in creating real impact by connecting innovation to local needs.”

Younes Addou, Vice President for Agribusiness & Sustainability Solutions at INNOVX, reiterated the goal of mobilizing $800 million by 2030 to strengthen agricultural value chains and empower farmers. He remarked, “We want to rethink agriculture across the continent.”

For Mohamed Hettiti, CEO of OCP Africa, the forum underscored the potential for impactful change when vision aligns with local dedication. He noted, “We support integrated solutions that meet the real conditions African farmers face. That’s where lasting change begins.”

MAVA initially served as a platform connecting finance and agriculture, evolving into a launchpad for concrete actions. Operating under INNOVX, which is affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), it benefits from the agricultural and financial expertise of OCP Group and IFC.

The forum buzzed with energy as local entrepreneurs, global investors, and researchers converged to build improved systems that nourish communities, safeguard the environment, and bolster livelihoods. A significant announcement from the French Development Agency (AFD) included a pledge of €350,000 to support MAVA, aiming to facilitate studies on agricultural by-products and carbon absorption measurement—key components for advancing food security and climate resilience.

MAVA has already facilitated pilot projects demonstrating its effectiveness. In the cashew industry, one initiative converted agricultural waste into biofuel and biochar, while another introduced an innovative insurance model in the rice sector to mitigate processing and yield risks. These examples illustrate the potential for success when appropriate support reaches the right stakeholders.

In partnership with IFC, OCP, and other collaborators, MAVA plans to further nurture startups and scale proven concepts. A recent startup challenge, launched alongside Digital Africa, offered up to $100,000 in investment to entrepreneurs in Agtech, Fintech, and Insurtech, fields poised to transform farmers' operational management and income protection.

As the forum concludes, MAVA has established itself as a crucial player in Africa’s agricultural future. Its commitment is not to quick gains or ephemeral visibility, but to creating a sustainable model rooted in local realities, backed by substantial investments, and encouraging inventive solutions.

Follow-up regional forums and project launches are anticipated in the coming months, ensuring the momentum of MAVA and the collaborative efforts it fosters will persist.