The 4th Innovations Session organised by the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) and the COLEACP will be on the 20th of May 2021 from 12 to 2pm. This virtual session will focus on the on Sustainable food systems: the key role of SMEs and businesses . 

The key points for discussion on sustainable food systems will be - 

How African MSMEs and farmers organisations can transition towards sustainable practices and what support do they need based on the obstacles they face?

What incentives can be provided to smallholders and MSMEs to adopt sustainable practices?

What main investments and incentives from the public and private sector can accelerate the transition towards sustainable practices?

How to reconcile investments by the MSMEs and farmers in sustainable food systems with the imperative of economic returns and access to new markets?

PROGRAMME

12:00-12:10 Introduction

Welcome: Fatma Ben Rejeb, CEO, PAFO and Morag Webb, Head of Science And Policy, COLEACP

Moderator: Isolina Boto, Head of Networks and Alliances, COLEACP

12:10-12:50 Panel: Successes of businesses

Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, Executive Director, Smallholders Foundation, ColdHubs, Nigeria

Pierre Damien Mbatezimana, Managing Director, Shekina Enterprise, Rwanda

Gaëtan Etancelin, President, SYMABIO, Madagascar

Lovin Kobusingye, General Manager, Kati Farms, Uganda

12:50-13:10 Discussants 

Roel Messie, Chief Investment Officer, IDH, the Sustainable Trade Initiative

Estherine Fotabong, Director, Programme Innovation and Planning, NEPAD Agency

Elizabeth Nsimadala, President of PAFO and Member of the Advisory Committee forthe 2021 Food Systems Summit

13:10-13:45 Debate13:45-14:00 Key takeaways and conclusion

Ishmael Sunga, CEO, SACAU and Member of the UNFSS Food Systems Champions NetworkClosure: Fatma Ben Rejeb, CEO, PAFOCOLEACP