Food Entrepreneurs In Africa

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the agriculture and food sector in Africa, which is projected to exceed a trillion dollars by 2030. This book is the first practical primer to equip and support entrepreneurs in Africa through the process of starting and growing successful and resilient agriculture and food businesses that will transform the continent. Through the use of case studies and practical guidance, the book reveals how entrepreneurs can leverage technology and innovation to leapfrog and adapt to climate change, ensuring that Africa can feed itself and even the world. The book will: Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow resilient and successful businesses in the agriculture and food landscapes. Equip aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, skills, and tools to navigate the complex agriculture and food ecosystems and develop and grow high-impact and profitable businesses. Enable aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs to develop scalable business models, attract and retain talent, leverage innovation and technology, raise financing, build strong brands, shape their ecosystem, and infuse resilience into every aspect of their operations. The book is for aspiring and emerging agribusiness entrepreneurs across Africa and agribusiness students globally. It will also inspire policymakers, researchers, development partners, and investors to create an enabling and supportive environment for African entrepreneurs to thrive.

From the founder of the award-winning website (www.howwemadeitinafrica.com) comes the stories of 25 entrepreneurs who''ve built thriving businesses. * Be inspired by the experiences of Africa''s most dynamic entrepreneurs * Gain insight into the continent''s business opportunities * Find the courage to make your own dreams and ambitions become a reality Discover why Ken Njoroge is building a billion-dollar pan-African digital payments company (it is not because he wants to drive a Ferrari); Find out how Jean de Dieu Kagabo grew a Rwanda-based industrial group from a simple product: toilet paper; And be inspired by the extraordinary tale of Hassan Bashir who created a booming insurance company from nothing but grit and persistence. Each entrepreneur''s story is told in an honest manner, not shying away from the mistakes made and the considerable hurdles they had to overcome. And there were many tough times: from being betrayed by long-time senior managers to losing vast sums of money because of poor market research. Pursuing their business ambitions also had a toll on their personal lives: one entrepreneur was too broke to afford diapers for his baby, while another had to sell her house to keep the company alive. MEET THE ENTREPRENEURS 1. Ken Njoroge (Kenya): The long, hard journey to build a billion-dollar company 2. Tseday Asrat (Ethiopia): A modern twist on Ethiopia''s coffee culture 3. Tumi Phake (South Africa): Flexing his entrepreneurial muscles to exploit a gap in the fitness industry 4. Monica Musonda (Zambia): Instant noodle pioneer 5. Hassan Bashir (Kenya): An insurance firm created from nothing but grit and persistence 6. Ebele Enunwa (Nigeria): A $50-million food and retail empire 7. Tayo Oviosu (Nigeria): The entrepreneur who traded in his Silicon Valley life to bring mobile money to Nigerians 8. Navalayo Osembo (Kenya): How to make a Kenyan running shoe 9. Jean de Dieu Kagabo (Rwanda): Rwandan industrialist always hunting for the next big business idea 10. Addis Alemayehou (Ethiopia): Serial entrepreneur bringing the world to Ethiopia 11. Kasope Ladipo-Ajai (Nigeria): Nigerian cooking made convenient 12. Chijioke Dozie (Nigeria): Leveraging past experiences to disrupt the banking industry 13. Sylvester Chauke (South Africa): Marketer with a passion to take African brands global 14. Yoadan Tilahun (Ethiopia): Showing Ethiopia how to throw an event 15. Mossadeck Bally (Mali): West African hotel group built on an appetite for risk 16. Jennifer Bash (Tanzania): Adding value to everyday staples 17. Jesse Moore (Kenya): Thinking out of the box to power over 600 000 homes with solar energy 18. Twapewa Kadhikwa (Namibia): How one hair salon became a group of companies 19. Jacques de Vos (South Africa): Growing a high-impact tech business one problem statement at a time 20. Nana Akua Birmeh (Ghana): Architect breaking glass ceilings 21. Nelly Tuikong (Kenya): Kenyan beauty brand taking on global giants 22. Dr Hend El Sherbini (Egypt): From a small Egyptian family business to a London-listed healthcare giant 23. NJ Ayuk (Cameroon): A lawyer on the road less travelled 24. Polo Leteka (South Africa): The investor who spots opportunity where others see risk 25. Ashley Uys (South Africa): Diagnostic hustler ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jaco Maritz is CEO of Maritz Africa, publisher of the award-winning pan-African online business publication How we made it in Africa. Jaco holds a BA in Information Science from USB. He started his career at South African media company Media24, working on the websites of some of the country''s most well-known newspapers. He went on to become editor of TradeInvestNigeria, after which he founded Maritz Africa. When not building Maritz Africa, Jaco enjoys investing in other businesses. He is a regular speaker on business in Africa.

Measures that empower young agri-entrepreneurs should be a key component of a sustainable development-centred investment promotion strategy. The very realization of future generations’ food security, the sustainable transformation of food systems and the combat against unemployment and distress migration all depend upon the successful implementation of strategies that make the agri-food sector more attractive for the youth. This, in turn, requires smart policy responses that will help young investors overcome the numerous barriers they face – access to finance, land, information and technical services, to name but the most crucial ones.Since 2017, FAO has provided support to African and South-East Asian countries in identifying key challenges for young agri-entrepreneurs and good practices through participatory capacity analyses and strategic planning processes which were carried out with, and for the youth. This report summarizes the main findings and lessons learned from FAO’s work with eleven African countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Conakry, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. It identifies key challenges and policy recommendations regarding youth’s access to finance; land; technical services and information; as well as the engagement of youth in policy-making processes. The report also contains a set of five overall key policy recommendations for the empowerment of young agri-entrepreneurs.

The Second Edition of The Future of Food Business: The Facts, The Impacts and The Acts is an updated collection of thoughtful articles previously published in leading newspapers around the world based on the author's practical life as international project leader, consultant, businessman, academic professor and world traveller. These articles focus on global food and agribusiness environment, food production trends, the structure of food chains as well as new concepts and ideas on how to increase competitiveness of food companies to create, capture and share value within the global food and agricultural sectors. This book also includes practical methods and smart tools that can be used by companies to facilitate their strategic planning and thinking processes, demand-driven orientation, supply chain organization, marketing channels re-structure and mostly, how to create, capture and share value in innovative market strategies. It is designed to be an easy-to-read business book with short chapters, discussion questions and group exercises. Receiving more than 20 positive endorsements from CEOs, the book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, researchers, executives and students who are active in the world's food business. Contents:The Food Production Chains Environment:Environmental Changes Affecting Food and Agribusiness: What are the Trends?Let Us Ensure the Seven Billionth Inhabitant is Well FedDry Spell Necessitates Plan for a CrisisEffects of Exchange Rates in Food TradeFrom Farms to … EverythingNavigating the Global Food SystemThe Roots of Food and Agribusiness ThinkingUnderstanding the Global Food ConsumerThe World of Retaliers BrandsRetailers: The Giants of ChainsThe Evolving Role of Trading Companies in Food ChainsThe New World of FarmersThe World of “Seed, Weed and Bug” Companies within Food ChainsGlobal Risks, Financial Crisis, BRIC and Food CompaniesThe Food Crisis Will be BackStrategies for Solving the Food Inflation ProblemBridging the Food Dilemma: The Case of China and BrazilInteresting Differences of Developed and Emerging EconomiesHow Can Chinese Companies Feed the World?Structural Challenges in Chinese Food and Meat ChainsAn Incredible Journey through IndiaWhat to Expect from Africa?There are Alternative Solutions for the Food CrisisFood Chains and Networks Development: A 14-Point ListScenario Planning for Food ChainsHow to Build a Strategic Plan for a Food Chain: The ChainPlan MethodThe Four P's of Sustainability PlanningProducing More Food with Less ResourcesSustainable Supply Chain InitiativesMore about Sustainable Supply ChainsStrategic Planning and Management for Food Comapanies:The Consumer's KingdomDeveloping Offers in Tune with Consumer MovementsDemand-Driven OrganizationsQuestions Toward a Demand-Driven OrientationStrategic Planning SatelliteThe Company is an Integrated Network in the New EraFood Companies' Strategies in the Network EraPlanning Strategies for 2025Questions to Think “Out of the Box”Strategic Planning of ClustersHow to Organize the Supply Chain of a Company?The Macro-Environment and Risk AnalysisHow to Create, Capture and Share Value?:Innovation in Integrated Food ChainsInnovation Agenda for Food Industry and RetailersMarketing and Distribution Channels Analysis and TrendsImproving Food Marketing Channel's PerformanceWhat are Advantages and Risks of Building Joint Ventures in Food Business?What are Advantages and Disadvantages of Building Franchisees in Food Business?Developing Own Stores: What are Advantages and Disadvantages?Creating Differentiation and Positioning for Food Business“Go to Market” Strategies in Emerging CountriesCreative Food Pricing StrategiesValue Creation, Capture and Sharing Trilogy: The CostsValue Creation, Capture and Sharing Trilogy: DifferentiationValue Creation, Capture and Sharing Trilogy: Collective ActionsCreating a Winning Food ConceptThe Consumer's Risk AnalysisBuilding Inter-Organizational Relationships and ContractsThe Connectivity Era: Receiving InformationGap Analysis Tool (GAT) for Improving PerformanceInternational Investment & Role of Governments:Building a Strategy for International Investments in Food and AgribusinessHow to Promote and Regulate International Investments in Food and Agribusiness?How to Evaluate International Investments' Capacity to Promote Economic Development?Land for Free … Is This Possible for Food Companies? The CODEVASF CaseThe Benefits and Risks of Governments Supporting Local Companies to InternationalizeColombia: An Example of the Role of GovernmentsIncorporating Small Holders into Modern Food ChainsSocial Inclusion in Modern Food Chains Readership: Students and researchers of agribusiness and marketing courses; business professionals; environmentalists; and general public interested in food chain. Keywords:Food Production;Food Consumption;Agribusiness;Food;Strategic Planning;MarketingKey Features:Gives a comprehensive description of global food and agribusiness environment, food production trends and the structure of food chainsCovers international investments and the role of governments in food chainsEasy-to-read book with practical discussion questions and exercisesReviews: “Professor Neves' knowledge and insights on the complexity of food chains is impressive. Food safety crisis is never such a big challenge to the stakeholders of the food chain in China, especially to the government authorities of various levels and agribusiness companies. The Future of Food Business is a valuable tool for them as well as the researchers to find practical solutions to address the tough food safety and quality problems in China.” Jiqin Han Professor of Nanjing Agricultural University, China “With an ever growing population and limited natural resources, The Future of Food Business is an extremely valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the food supply chain, and what the future of food business holds, particularly at a time when we find ourselves grappling with critical issues which will have a lasting impact on natural resources, the entire food system and how it is governed.” Adil K Sattar Executive Director, K&N's, Pakistan “Marcos develops creative ideas based on facts that are likely to contribute to the shaping of the food sector over the next ten years. His visions are accompanied by innovating tools very helpful for entrepreneurs, young managers and government officials by doing their strategic planning in the food sector. I fully share the epilogue of his book where he outlines the importance and the characteristics of managers that ‘make it happen’.” Hans Peter Baier COB Bongrain/Polenghi, South America “In less than 35 years, Africa's population will double to two billion people, approximately 25% of the global population then. Large areas are richly endowed with land and water, yet Africa remains a net importer of food. Professor Marcos Fava Neves, a very good friend of South Africa and Africa, has again shown, through The Future of Food Business, the way to develop globally competitive value chains that provide sustainable food security solutions and growth for the sector.” John Purchase CEO, Agribusiness Chamber, South Africa “I bought the book The Future of Food Business, from Kinokuniya in Singapore. It was a very unusual literature I ever came across on a book stand and bought it immediately after glancing once. I'm in the aquaculture segment operating in Singapore, and found this book very useful for my business future planning. It opened a wider perspective of my business and truly contributed in mapping my business operation and strategic plan.” Frank Tan Marine Life Aquaculture Pte Ltd, Singapore “Considering all the macro-environmental changes that are affecting food companies and agribusiness, Prof. Dr Marcos Fava shows us in a simple and clear way, what are the trends and impacts of this market in the future, and presents solutions, studies and new methods to elaborate an effective Strategic Plan. The Future of Food Business is required reading for students, agribusiness professionals and entrepreneurs.” Liza Rocha Account Manager at Natural Design, Brazil “Marcos Fava Neves is a novel professor who tries to understand why some players apply certain strategies, move in different directions or work with several companies. His insights in this new book are the result of the study of food and agribusiness at theoretical and practical levels. He provides many examples and cases with strong theoretical support leveraged with his experiences as advisor of companies, networks, chains and clusters in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and the US among other countries. As a result, Professor Fava Neves' book, a must-read for students as well as for entrepreneurs, has the makings of a best seller.” Sebastian Senesi and Hernan Palau Professors at University of BuenosAires, Argentina “The challenge that we have to feed the world in the next fifty years is enormous. I am very pleased that Dr Marcos Fava is making the effort to enlighten those people not working in agriculture so that they have a better understanding of the magnitude of the efforts that are needed for us to be successful.” Jerry Moye President of Cobb, Vantress International, USA “This book provides an answer to the future of food business challenges. Really, we are living in a time when the world is more connected, and equally the challenges are more complicated as never before, furthermore society, environment and economics are interconnected more. Within this view, Marcos Fava Neves presents solutions and our future thinking to address the problems in simple and innovative manner with scientific discoveries. In addition, this book is very informative in how to fill the gaps in the world's demand for food and society responsibility during this uncertain and volatile food market. Thank you for showing us the facts, the impacts and how to act …” Mogos Yakob Teweldemedhin Professor at University Polytechnic of Namibia, Africa “Marcos Fava Neves has written a very intelligent book providing both expert as well as the general public stimulating insights into the intricacies of the global food business. In view of its complexities and challenges this book is a must-read.” Guy Kempfert Director, Syngenta Basel, Switzerland Reviews from the First Edition: “Marcos Fava Neves describes the very complex global food chain and suggests methods and tools that can be used by companies to adjust their strategies and operational concepts in an ever rapid changing world. He discusses trends, world food crises, food chain complexity and strategic planning for food companies. It is an essential read for entrepreneurs and researchers who are active in the worldwide food chain network.” Hans Johr Corporate Head of Agriculture, Nestle Switzerland “The Future of Food Business presents a comprehensive look at our challenges in food chain, combining theory with relevant examples in this space. This should be mandatory for all students and professionals that work in agribusiness.” Renato Seraphim Business Development, Bayer Latin America “I think the research and analysis done by Dr Fava Neves leading to a rather conclusive strategy is a good reflection of his deep insight into the food value chain. The presentation style in the book makes for easy reading too.” M D Ramesh CEO of OLAM Africa “The Future of Food Business is an easy-to-read book. Each chapter presents an important issue and ends with intriguing questions for debate, which makes it particularly useful in strategic planning processes. Highly recommended.” Mary Shelman Director of Harvard Business School, USA “The path forward to 2050 requires new innovative thought leaders in order to meet the challenges of increased food production for a growing and affluent global population. Dr Fava Neves motivates readers to rethink how business gets done on frontlines.” Paul Jasper CEO, Covered Logistics and Transportation, USA “Marcos' book elucidates the impending food challenge that will be a central concern for most governments in the immediate future; he puts forth innovative practical solutions to address the issue. The book is a must read for not only concerned people in the public and private enterprises but responsible citizenry all over the world. The book should be part of reference reading for most college graduates to create an awareness about the issues as they are impacted most by the food crisis.” Raj Vardhan Vice President, OLAM International, China “I had the opportunity to actively participate in a one day seminar of Professor Marcos Fava Neves in Saint Louis, USA, where the content of the book was presented and discussed. I am amazed about the knowledge the author has about the food industry.” G B Sundarajan Suguna Foods Limited, India “Marcos is a profound analyst of global food and agribusiness issues. He has a great vision, youth behavior and sagacity to understand complex environment and translate in a simple message.” Gustavo Grobocopatel CEO of Los Grobo, Argentina “Food used to be a day-to-day task to provide for it and it is very close to everybody's imagination. However, today's society is characterized by individuals who are regarded to be a food expert but it takes people like Dr. Marcos Fava Neves who not only explains today's food supply and puts food into a global perspective but also challenges tomorrows needs and requirements. All with an open mindset and in a stimulating and inviting style. I suggest you join and become a knowledgeable food entrepreneur as well.” Marc van Genuchten Commercial Director, Continental Juice/Cutrale, The Netherlands

This book is a multidisciplinary exposition of how scholars from various disciplines research food. The chapters unravel the crosscutting themes in the role of food in everyday realities of African societies. Food remains indispensable to humanity for a good healthy and quality life but accessibility is shrouded by poor quality food and food fraud thereby making the available food unsafe for consumption by the Nigerian citizens, and of course by people around the world. The underlying causes of this have largely been attributed to poverty and acquisitive economic gains, and to some extent poor food handling by consumers. In Nigeria, the state of poverty is so severe that the largest proportion of the citizens' daily and/or monthly income goes on food, which is barely enough to access quality and nutritional food. Consequently, majority of the citizens seek and take up poor quality food that might come their way. In the light of drive for unsafe food, the food fraudsters had capitalised on the poor Nigerians to make illegally adulterated and poor quality food available at cheaper prices. This situation has not only endangered the food distribution system and quality of consumed nutrition in Nigeria, but as equally put the health status of Nigerians at risk through long-term exposure and build-up of chronically toxic contaminants in the body.

This book investigates food security and the implications of hyper-urbanisation and rapid growth of urban populations in Africa. By means of a series of case studies involving African cities of various sizes, it argues that, while the concept of food security holds value, it needs to be reconfigured to fit the everyday realities and distinctive trajectory of urbanisation in the region. The book goes on to discuss the urban context, where food insecurity is more a problem of access and changing consumption patterns than of insufficient food production. In closing, it approaches food insecurity in Africa as an increasingly urban problem that requires different responses from those applied to rural populations.

Start Up CEO Paul Oberschneider reveals his secrets for building a successful business. Success is not a straight line deal. There is no A-to-Z Path. Paul says there are no Magic Beans but there are steps anyone can take to start a business, scale up and build teams. He should know. In 1992, with 400m in his pocket, Paul discovered the process of building a large scale business from scratch. Over the next decade he built a portfolio of business worth 200 million. Now he shares that path to success in his new book with 16 proven steps. You'll learn about Paul's top tips for entrepreneurial success, business ethics, successful real estate investment and building a start up.

Africa requires a new agricultural transformation that is appropriate for Africa, that recognizes the continent's diverse environments and climates, and that takes into account its histories and cultures while benefiting rural smallholder farmers and their families. In this boldly optimistic book, Sir Gordon Conway, Ousmane Badiane, and Katrin Glatzel describe the key challenges faced by Africa's smallholder farmers and present the concepts and practices of Sustainable Intensification (SI) as opportunities to sustainably transform Africa's agriculture sector and the livelihoods of millions of smallholders. The way forward, they write, will be an agriculture sector deeply rooted within SI: producing more with less, using fertilizers and pesticides more prudently, adapting to climate change, improving natural capital, adopting new technologies, and building resilience at every stage of the agriculture value chain. Food for All in Africa envisions a virtuous circle generated through agricultural development rooted in SI that results in greater yields, healthier diets, improved livelihoods for farmers, and sustainable economic opportunities for the rural poor that in turn generate further investment. It describes the benefits of digital technologies for farmers and the challenges of transforming African agricultural policies and creating effective and inspiring leadership. Food for All in Africa demonstrates why we should take on the challenge and provides ideas and methods through which it can be met.