The discussion will focus on how governments, development partners, and the private sector along the agriculture value chain can effectively respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. It will also explore the unique opportunities that this pandemic presents to rethink and reshape our agriculture and food systems.
Moderator:
Gillian Pais, a Partner in McKinsey & Company’s Nairobi Office, will moderate the discussion. She leads McKinsey’s Agriculture practice in Africa and brings a wealth of experience in guiding strategic conversations around agriculture on the continent.
Panelists:
- Linda Manda, Global Head of Agribusiness, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Group, will share her insights on the financial aspects of agribusiness and how banking institutions can support the agriculture sector during and after the pandemic.
- Kola Masha, Managing Director of Babban Gona, an award-winning, high-impact, and financially sustainable social enterprise, will discuss how Babban Gona, which is part-owned by the farmers it serves, is navigating the challenges brought on by COVID-19.
- Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Partner at Sahel Capital Agribusiness Managers Ltd., a private equity firm focused on food and agriculture, will provide his perspective on investing in mid-sized agribusinesses during these turbulent times.
- Atsuko Toda, Director of Agriculture Finance and Rural Infrastructure Development Department at the African Development Bank, will highlight the Bank’s investments in private sector agribusinesses and the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones across Africa.
This timely and valuable video conference series, produced by Africa.com in partnership with faculty from Harvard Business School, aims to address the unprecedented humanitarian and economic crisis resulting from COVID-19. It provides a platform for thought leaders to share strategies and insights on how to strengthen and transform agriculture and food systems in Africa during and beyond the pandemic.