There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed in African agribusiness and Ian Goggin, CEO of the Agricultural Commodity Exchange for Africa, wasn’t afraid to highlight each and every one. Among the negatives in the African agribusiness sector Ian identified during the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum:
- Very little reliable data on trade flows
- Lack of competition
- Poor communication
- Lack of transparency
- No enforceable contracts or dispute resolution
- Lack of trust in the current system
Ian even pointed out that some have called Africa’s ag industry: “the most inhospitable climate in the world.”
Ian’s straightforwardness is not meant to discourage, but simply to identify where the industry needs improvement, so those in the business find the best way to develop and modernize. If anything, Ian’s blunt presentation of where African agribusiness stands is meant to inspire both African and American ag industry leaders to initiate needed change. He stresses that “exchange is an agent for change.”
You can listen to Ian’s remarks here:
usafag-08-goggin.mp3
2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Photo Album
AgWired coverage of the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum is sponsored by:
