The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Marketing Research Centre (EMRC) will jointly host the AgriBusiness Forum 2011 entitled 'Engaging the Private Sector for Africa's Agri-Food Growth' from 16th to 19th October 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The key aim of the AgriBusiness Forum 2011, which is the biggest agribusiness forum in Africa, is to generate public and private sector partnerships for Africa's agricultural and food sector and to highlight the importance of small farmer inclusion in large value chains. Special attention will be given to best practices and successful projects.

This year's Forum is co-organized by UNDP and EMRC, in collaboration with the FAO and Rabobank. It will bring together around 500 delegates from public and private sectors, regional entities, small holders, development partners and civil society working in the agri-food sector, such as:

• H.E. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai - Zimbabwe
• Honorable Tina Joemat-Petterson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - South Africa
• Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Honorable Federal Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development - Nigeria
• Honorable Norbert Basengezi Katintima Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock - Democratic Republic of Congo
• Dr. Laurent Gouindé Sedogo, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources - Burkina Faso
• Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security - Sierra Leone

enormous potential

For the last four years, the AgriBusiness Forum has focused on providing a platform for the private and public sector to come together to support sustainable and long-term growth within the continent's agricultural sector. The organisers uphold the vision that Africa's agribusiness has enormous potential which can be developed through 'Inclusive Agriculture' and 'Inclusive Business Models'.

The Forum will combine plenary sessions, technical workshops, pre-organized One-on-One business meetings and a Market Place exhibition. The Forum culminates to a high level Public Private Dialogue on Inclusive Growth in the agri-food sector, bringing together public and private sector, regional entities, small holders, development partners and civil society. The dialogue covers key policy issues and discusses how the private sector can play a greater role in inclusive and sustainable agriculture development programmes. The dialogue is expected to lead to a declaration on inclusive agribusiness development in Africa.

Also featuring at the four-day session will be the EMRC-Rabobank Project Incubator Award, an initiative launched in 2008 to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. The winner of the Award will receive a cash prize of US $15,000.00 sponsored by the Rabobank Foundation.

your business opportunity

This is your chance to have access to Africa's economies. With private sector representatives, government officials, international organisations, researchers and delegations coming from across Africa and the world, the 4-day Forum will allow you to access investment and business opportunities at the highest level. From Africa to Asia, via Europe to America, partnerships will be made to ensure food security, sustainability and growing business ties. Join us in expanding Africa's private sector to realize the continent's full potential!

Take part in this pivotal moment in Africa's agribusiness sector. Join the AgriBusiness Forum and meet all those involved in Africa's fast growing agriculture sector. Johannesburg, South Africa, from 16-19 October 2011

Click here to get more info or register.