Industrialization is widely recognized as an essential component of Africa’s development and a foundation for the achievement of other developmental goals. The manufacturing sector is capable of generating decent jobs on the scale required to absorb the labour market entrants expected over the next two decades. Africa’s value added has grown at 1% over the past 10 years, compared to 5% for India and China. Africa’s share of global manufacturing output has dwindled over recent decades, to below 2% of global manufacturing output. In sub-Saharan Africa, manufacturing declined as a share of GDP from 13% in 2000 to 10% in 2017, while in North Africa the decline over the same period was from 28% to 20%. Africa adds value to only 14% of its exports, compared to 27% for emerging Asian economies.
Africa’s agro commodity sector plays a crucial role in its economy. The continent produces a significant portion of the world’s cocoa, coffee, tea, and various grains.
Yet, much of these commodities are exported in their raw form. This model means that Africa misses out on the added economic benefits of processing these products locally.
The journey from raw commodity to finished product can significantly increase the value, creating more wealth and opportunities within the continent.
Processing agro commodities locally can drive substantial economic growth. By establishing processing facilities, Africa can create thousands of jobs, from factory workers to technical experts. These jobs not only provide income but also contribute to the skill development of the workforce. For instance, processing cocoa into chocolate or coffee beans into coffee powder involves various stages of production, each requiring a skilled labor force.
Adding value to agro commodities can significantly increase their market price. For example, while raw cocoa beans may fetch a certain price, processed chocolate or cocoa powder commands a higher value on the global market. By focusing on local processing, African countries can capture a larger share of the profit and reinvest it into their economies.
Many African countries import processed goods that could easily be produced locally. By developing the capability to process agro commodities, Africa can reduce its dependence on imported products and build self-sufficiency. This shift would not only save foreign exchange but also boost the local economy and stabilize supply chains.
Processed goods often have a competitive edge in international markets. With value addition, African products can stand out due to their uniqueness and higher quality.
Connections with real value addition opportunities across the continent
Connections with service providers who will power your expansion
Insights into realistic implementation strategies for impactful and achievable scaling
Connections with policy makers & investment promotional agencies who will engage with you and provide enabling environments for your organization's growth
Private sector players in manufacturing & processing
Service providers powering value addition activities for producers in Africa 
Scale & growth strategists
Policy makers & regulators powering business-enabling environments
World class thinkers discuss and debate pertinent cross-cutting issues and share insights and strategies to realistically & feasibly realize Africa’s Value Additional with speed and scale.
A vibrant and dynamic stage hosted by organizations within the manufacturing sector. They will share their expertise, advice & give real world insights into opportunities for your business. The interactive sessions will also connect you and your organization directly to the experts for further conversations during the forum and after.
Discover innovations straight that will accelerate & scale manufacturing across the continents. The interactive sessions will also connect you and your organization directly to the experts for further conversations during the forum and after.
Sustainability champions will demystify the juxtaposition between the need for rapid development within the value addition sectors and sustainable practices. The interactive sessions will also connect you and your organization directly to the experts for further conversations during the forum and after.
Gain an understanding of opportunities available today for the private sector in different regions of the continent. The country led presentations will showcase Public-Private Partnership, Greenfield and Brownfield investment opportunities.
Immerse yourself in enterprises in the host country’s value addition sector and get real insights into their successful business models & scaling strategies.
Facilitated by experienced hosts and set-up in a fishbowl format, the Real Talk Podcast will enable all attendants to contribute to the discussion on a pertinent topic impacting Value Addition opportunities in Africa.
These sessions are designed to involve you if you have a constructive view and want to add value to the conversation. You will be invited to join the scheduled panelists on stage to contribute to the dialogue.
20 mins presentations from private sector players ready to trade across borders
Deep dive technologies that are increasing productivity, yields and efficiency in the manufacturing sector.
20 mins presentations from organizations supporting corporations transition to sustainable business models.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Northern Africa’s produce.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Eastern Africa’s produce.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Western Africa’s produce.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Southern Africa’s produce.
Buses will depart from the main venue at 2:00pm
The audience runs the show. Submit your questions through the app or on arrival at the venue. The distinguished panelists will answer as many questions as the time allows.
20 mins presentations from private sector players ready to trade across borders
Deep dive technologies that are increasing productivity, yields and efficiency in the manufacturing sector.
20 mins presentations from organizations supporting corporations transition to sustainable business models.
Network or refresh in readiness for the evening activities.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Northern Africa’s produce.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Eastern Africa’s produce.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Western Africa’s produce.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Southern Africa’s produce.
By invitation.
The audience runs the show. Submit your questions through the app or on arrival at the venue. The distinguished panelists will answer as many questions as the time allows.
20 mins presentations from private sector players ready to trade across borders
Deep dive technologies that are increasing productivity, yields and efficiency in the manufacturing sector.
20 mins presentations from organizations supporting corporations transition to sustainable business models.
Quickfire presentations on real world opportunities and solutions for Southern Africa’s produce.
Presentations from our platforms impactful partner organizations championing the acceleration of Africa’s manufacturing & processing capabilities
