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World Without Hunger Conference
- Day 1
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Day 2
- High level opening ceremony
- Global leaders debate: A collaborative dialogue on innovative strategies and scalable investment solutions
- Post-harvest management for enhanced food system and nutrition security in Ethiopia
- Innovative solutions for agri-business development: the example of the coffee value chain
- Global leaders debate: Scaling food security impact: Opportunities of cooperation with associations, philanthropists, and development finance institutions
- Investment matchmaking forum
- Presentation of the Transformation Pathways Fund (TPF)
- High-impact solutions to tackle food security (co-organized with Deloitte)
- Bridging technology and investment: The ITP network's approach
- Day 3
The issue:
To revamp agro-food systems in low- and middle-income countries and eradicate hunger, a substantial increase in annual investments is urgently needed. Despite the pressing need, global foreign direct investment (FDI) to developing countries declined by 7% in 2023, reaching US$867 billion largely due to rising geopolitical tensions and inclement financial conditions. The economic downturn also affected progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with new investments in relevant sectors dropping by over 10%. The agri-food sector was particularly hard hit, experiencing fewer internationally financed projects in 2023 than in 2015.
In this context, the private sector plays a critical role not only in driving innovation but also in delivering financial resources and mobilizing technical expertise required to improve food systems and increase food security. Industry leaders have been instrumental in contributing to the enhancement of agricultural productivity and sustainability. To accelerate progress toward sustainable food security, it is essential to expand private sector investments through goal-oriented collaborations, innovative financing mechanisms, and scalable business models that address investment risks.
Objective:
The Global Leaders Debate aims to foster a solution-focused dialogue on the role of industry in shaping the future of food security. The debate will explore how global private sector leaders can spearhead initiatives to mobilize substantial investments to drive innovation in sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Key guiding questions:
- What are the main barriers to private sector investments in agro-food systems in low- and middle-income countries, and how can these be overcome?
- How can global companies lead the charge in mobilizing the capital and expertise necessary for sustainable food security initiatives?
- What innovative business models or investment solutions have proven successful for private sector-led food security projects, and how can they be scaled across different regions?
- Who are the actors that need to collaborate to bring agro-food systems to the next level?
Expected outcome:
The session is expected to provide a roadmap for scaling private sector investments and innovations to close the identified investment gaps. Spotlighting best practices and promising collaborative approaches, the session will identify actionable solutions that global companies can implement to achieve sustainable food security outcomes.
Session format and structure:
The session will be a Davos-style panel discussion featuring high-level representatives of the private sector. The panellists will engage in a purposive dialogue on strategies for financing agri-business projects, advancing food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Participants will bring a multitude of perspectives to bear to devise actionable proposals aiming at closing the investment gaps identified.
Moderator
Ms. Fiona Muthoni Naringwa, Business Journalist and Host, Rwanda Broadcasting Agency
Fiona Muthoni Naringwa is an enthusiastic journalist and adept moderator, recognized for her exceptional skills as one of Rwanda's leading business journalists. She currently hosts a weekly business program on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency and she served as a senior producer and anchor on CNBC Africa's flagship market show, Power Lunch East Africa for 6 years.
Speakers
Mr. Matthias Berninger, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Sustainability and Safety, Bayer AG
As EVP, Public Affairs, Sustainability and Safety at Bayer AG, Matthias is responsible for the company’s global public affairs activities, developing Bayer’s global sustainability strategy, anchoring it into the company’s business strategy. Prior, Matthias was Head of Global Public Affairs at Mars, Inc. developing their sustainability strategy, responsible for "health, nutrition and sustainability" worldwide. Elected four times to the German Bundestag (1994-2007) Matthias focused on agriculture, trade policy, food security and renewable energy. Born in Kassel, Germany, Matthias studied chemistry and political science and lives in Washington, DC with his wife and children.
Ms. Susan Payne, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Planet
Susan has spent 30 years building businesses in global emerging markets. After training as a lawyer, Susan’s career included senior roles with JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs. In 2016, Susan co-founded Holistic Agricultural Investments Group Ltd developing large agricultural projects across Africa. In 2020, Susan co-founded multi award-winning Sustainable Planet, an agri tech start up focused on food security and climate change.
Susan has a BA Hons, MA, LLB (Law) and MBA diploma and studied at Oxford; McGill; St Andrews and LSE.
Ms. Vanessa Adams, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Level4International
Vanessa Adams is Founder and CEO of a boutique consultancy, Level4International. She has over 25 years of experience working to drive economic impacts at the last mile and improve supply chains in over 40 countries. She partners with SMEs and multinational companies, governments, development partners, industry associations, and cooperatives. She has spent over 20 years working to improve livelihoods in 30 African countries with institutions, businesses, women and youth entrepreneurs and farmers to increase productivity, meet buyer specifications, access finance, and compete in international markets. She has facilitated and created hundreds of transformative strategic partnerships with governments, multilateral organizations and businesses to develop and implement strategies which increase productivity and international trade, expand investments, improve business environments, access financial services as well as reduce constraints to economic growth. She is an advocate and champion of women and youth entrepreneurs, and smallholder farmers.
Vanessa has significant leadership and management experience, including as VP of Strategic Partnerships and USAID Chief of Party, leading Digital Ag, championing Gender and Inclusion towards implementing a $500M strategy at AGRA under the Partnership for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Africa. Previously, she led the USAID Southern Africa and West Africa Trade and Investment Hubs, including $70+ million USD projects with multi-cultural teams, facilitating over $300 million in exports from Africa, and catalyzed over $70 million in investments as well as over $140 million in credit. While living in West Africa, she contributed to founding several pan-African organizations including the African Cashew Alliance, Borderless Alliance, and Global Shea Alliance. She founded and grew several platforms including the Agribusiness Dealroom, and the Women in Agribusiness Leadership Network in Ethiopia, as well as Value4Her. She has been on numerous Steering Committees and Advisory Boards including the Farm to Market Alliance and AWIEF (African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum).
Vanessa has an Executive MBA from INSEAD.
Mr. Jemal Ahmed Abdu, Chief Executive Officer, MIDROC
Jemal Ahmed Abdu is the Chief Executive Officer of MIDROC Investment Group, a role he has held since June 2020. With over four years in this leadership position, Jemal oversees a diverse group of 41 companies under MIDROC Ethiopia, which are involved in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare and contribute significantly to the Ethiopian economy.
He also continues his long-standing position as Managing Director of Horizon Plantations PLC, a key agricultural company, which he has led since 2008.
MIDROC Ethiopia Investment Group, part of the global MIDROC Group owned by Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi, operates in various sectors across Ethiopia and internationally. Under Jemal's leadership, the company has strengthened its foothold in mining, oil distribution, real estate, and tourism. His extensive experience and strategic direction have helped drive the group's continued success and growth in Ethiopia's dynamic business environment.