The Role of Research and Innovation for the Green Revolution in Africa

Africa’s agricultural sector remains heavily dependent on raw commodity exports, with value addition accounting for just 10-15% of total exports. This limits the continent’s ability to fully benefit from global and regional markets for processed goods. Despite decades of efforts to improve subsistence farming, food systems and livelihoods have seen little transformation.

This panel will explore how demand-driven value addition, branding, and storytelling—supported by the right investments and ecosystem partnerships—can drive sector growth, enhance food security, and unlock economic potential. Panelists from across the value chain will discuss key gaps, opportunities, and actionable pathways to create and capture value in Africa’s agricultural ecosystem.

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Despite growing recognition, African creatives often face cultural and systemic challenges in achieving global prominence. This panel will explore how African innovators are leveraging the digital space to break free from traditional norms, overcome obstacles, and carve out new opportunities. It will highlight key learnings from their journeys and examine how a fresh narrative of African creativity can inspire global audiences while maintaining authenticity. How can these trailblazers collaborate across borders to build a thriving, interconnected creative ecosystem that redefines Africa’s place in the global cultural landscape?

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This session will delve into the transformative role of media and entertainment in shaping Africa’s narrative on the global stage. Focusing on the intersection of culture, innovation, and business, the discussion will explore how African creatives and entrepreneurs are redefining the continent’s image through music. The speakers will share insights on building successful music ventures, bridging local stories with global audiences, and navigating challenges in production, distribution, and representation. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how the African media and music industries can thrive in a competitive global economy

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