The African Agri Council (AAC) has announced plans to unlock over $1 billion in funding for agricultural projects across Africa. As a Pan-African organization, the AAC is dedicated to promoting agricultural development by facilitating investment in viable, bankable projects across the entire value chain.
The Council’s mission is to tackle food scarcity and achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.
In an interview with Stephen Grootes, AAC CEO Ben Leyka stressed the importance of providing capital across the full agricultural value chain.
“When people think about agriculture, they often focus solely on primary agriculture, but we’re taking a broader approach. We’re looking at everything from primary agriculture to retailers, and all the way to the final consumer,” he explained.
Leyka highlighted the opportunities for growth, stating, “If you’re a retailer with aspirations of expanding across Africa, there’s funding available to support that. Similarly, for young farmers or entrepreneurs interested in launching ventures like cold chains or logistics businesses, there are financial opportunities to help bring those ideas to life.”
Regarding how funding will be structured, Leyka explained that the terms will be determined through collaboration between the capital provider and the project owner. “Often, businesses seeking capital will tell us if they’re looking for seed funding, equity, or grants. The specific terms are tailored to both the needs of the project and the preferences of the capital providers.”
