Tag: Agribusiness & Biotech

Bioline Agrosciences acquires Kenya’s Dudutech, reaffirms global ambitions in biocontrol

Frank

KENYA – Bioline Agrosciences, a biocontrol company that produces a wide range of predatory mites and insects in North America, has announced the acquisition of the Kenyan Biocontrol Company Dudutech from the British Company Flamingo Group International (a World Leader in the production and sale of Cut Flowers & Plants and Fresh Vegetables). “This acquisition is a huge step for Bioline, our agricultural subsidiary, which is becoming a major player in biocontrol at the international level. It’s perfectly aligned with our vision to promote the agricultural and food transition towards…

Read More

Zambian agribusinesses to benefit from €1million EU grant

Frank

ZAMBIA – The European Union – EU Zambia office has called for agribusiness proposals from eligible Zambians to access grant funding of up-to €1 million under its Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund. In an emailed statement to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, the Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund (FED/2019/413-674)  is inviting agri-businesses in Zambia who meet the eligibility criteria to apply for financial support in the first call for proposals. The deadline for submission of concept notes is October 3, 2020. The statement stated that under the  “Zambia Challenge Fund, the…

Read More

Moroccan gets approval to export raspberries to the US

Frank

MOROCCO – Morocco’s National Office for Food Health Safety (ONSSA) has announced that the United States has approved the import of Moroccan raspberries. According to a Maghreb Arab Press report, negotiations between ONSSA and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) led to the signing of an action plan, allowing the import of Moroccan fresh raspberries into the US market. MAP further noted that the US authorities have made it a requirement that the fruit must be authorized by ONSSA before export. The statement noted that exports must “be…

Read More

Ghanaian Women Cooperative gets new USAID funded Shea Processing Facility

Frank

GHANA –  The United States Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Madam Stephanie Sullivan has presided over the opening of a new shea butter processing and warehousing facility at Sorogu in the Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region. The new facility, meant for Tiyumtaba Women’s Shea Cooperative, will provide the needed infrastructure to add value to the commodity in the area and will improve the incomes of 600 women, who collect and process shea nuts in the area. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) developed the facility in partnership with…

Read More

Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau to benefit from USDA funded Cashew Value Chain Project

Frank

WEST AFRICA – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food For Progress (FFPr) Regional Cashew Value Chain Project is implementing a US$38 million, six-year project in The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau. USDA says that the project will enhance the regional cashew value chain to improve the trade of processed cashews in local and international markets.  Facilitating the processing of cashew nuts within the region will create new jobs and increase incomes. During the launch, the United States was represented by both the U.S. Ambassador to The Gambia, Richard Carlton…

Read More

Capwell Industries Ltd – Our 20 year journey to a food and beverage giant

Frank

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING Capwell Industries Limited has grown its business since it entered the food industry by investing in a maize milling plant 20 years ago. With a new drive to be a food and beverage company, the company recently installed a new 250 tonnes per day wheat mill and has introduced Kenya’s first cereal beverage drink. We sat down with the company’s CEO Rajan Shah to hear about their journey and future plans. Capwell Industries Ltd (CIL) is one of the most diversified food processing enterprises in Kenya.…

Read More

Morocco allocates US$188m fund to support rural enterprises

Frank

MOROCCO – Morocco’s monarch, King Mohammed VI has ordered the Hassan II Fund to allocate MAD 2 billion (€188.42), to support the financing of entrepreneurship in rural communities. Morocco’s ministry of Economy said that the program will mainly target small and medium-sized enterprises and young project holders who will get to enjoy a significant reduction in interest rates charged on their loans. “Fixing the level of these rates would help promote entrepreneurship, create employment and gradually mark a shift in the mindset related to bank loans,” the statement from the…

Read More

Lesaffre inaugurates first of its kind, state of the art baking center in Cote d’Ivore

Frank

COTE D’IVORE – Lesaffre Ivoire has inaugurated its new Baking Center, the first of its kind in West Africa, in Abidjan to be closer to its customers and to meet growing demand in West Africa. The official opening of the center was done in the presence of Mr David Jousselme, Director of the Lesaffre Overseas region and Mr Gilles Huberson Ambassador of France in Ivory Coast. “We are proud to inaugurate this new Baking Center which will enable us to go further in our support in West Africa,” said David…

Read More

Zalar Agri secures US$24m from IFC to expand fruit and nut growing operations in Morocco

Frank

MOROCCO – IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing US$24 million in financing to Zalar Agri to help the company expand its fruit and nut growing operations, creating both permanent and seasonal jobs in Morocco’s countryside. The financing includes a US$12 million C loan for IFC’s own account and a mobilization of a US$12 million B loan through IFC’s syndication program. This impact project is considered important in a nation where rural poverty rates are twice those of urban areas and is part of Zalar Agri’s efforts…

Read More

Nigeria to set up agro-allied industries in 36 states to help achieve food security

Frank

NIGERIA – The President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) has directed the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to establish agro-allied industry in each state of the federation. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum, confirmed the development during a meeting with a delegation from the Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria. Katagum said the Federal Government was planning to establish agro-allied industry in each senatorial district in the country to enable the nation achieve food security and stimulate economic activities. The minister also said the…

Read More