Agriculture and private sector – any appetite among Norwegian investors?

Agriculture is an important part of the private sector in Africa, but private investments are slow to reach the farmer. High transaction costs and risks are among the many factors limiting private investments in this sector.

• More on the topic: Food security

The Norwegian Government’s White Paper on private sector in development cooperation points at agriculture as a priority sector, hereunder enabling increased private investments in agriculture to the benefit of smallholders.

What are the main challenges facing Norwegian investors when reviewing potential investments and seeking increased profitability in existing investments?

Program

13:00 Opening

• White Paper on private sector development – opportunities for agriculture?
  Anne Lene Dale, Director for private sector, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13:20 Presentations

• Public/Private partnerships along the value chain – Tanzania. Øystein Botillen, Yara
• Key advice when picking a successful business partner in African agriculture. Elin Ersdal, Norfund
• Quick wins or long and winding road to profit in agriculture? Pål Dale, Director, VOXTRA
• Reducing transaction costs and risks, private - NGO partnership in business development. Baard-H. Flatland, Purchasing Manager, Den lille nøttefabrikken - Brynild Gruppen

Moderator: Paul Wade, Head of Section for Private Sector Development, Norad

14.50 Panel 

• NABA
• Øystein Botillen (Yara)
• Karsten Gjefle (Norges Vel)
• Elin Ersdal (NORFUND)
• Pål Dale (VOXTRA)
• Baard-H. Flatland (Brynild Gruppen)
• Thomas Mosberg-Stangeby (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

15:50 Concluding remarks

• Ms. Bongiwe N. Njobe, representing New Partnership for Africa’s development (NEPAD)