Stakeholders discuss benefits in Agribusiness sector

By Fred SARPONG

Stakeholders in the agribusiness sector in Ghana met at a forum in Accra last week to brain storm on new opportunities for agro-enterprises in Ghana.
The forum was organized by the Trade and Investment Program for a Competitive Export Economy (TIPCEE).
The forum discussed and developed a business leadership and financial lending program with direct conversation and feedback from industry players.
The participants were taken through topic such as agribusiness executive education in Africa; global food retail trends and their implications for your business; new business opportunities and market for Ghanaian agro-enterprises; access to capital for agribusinesses in Ghana Standard Chartered Bank; and creating an enabling environment for agribusinesses in Ghana.
The event focused on the development of an integrated agro-lending program whereby the banks and firm partner in management of the agribusiness operations.
It was also to develop business leader skills with successful practices used by global corporations that improve profits. Examples are market strategic planning, fiscal management, B2B negations skills among others. This type of ‘coaching’ support service is used worldwide.
Also, marketing strategies for higher profits was discussed along with an overview on new market and product trends that Ghana agriculture firms should target.
Michael Brown, Chief of Party- TIPCEE called on the industry players to survey the potential market and take in charge of any opportunity they identify. He noted that there are market opportunities that exist in EU, America and Asia.
But he was of the view that Ghanaian industry players should take opportunities that exist in the Africa region, which has more potential for businesses.
Ralph Christy, from Market Matters- New York said there are the potential role of agribusiness in accelerated economic growth and the overall contribution of the agricultural sector to economic development.
“Unsatisfactory performance in global markets but growing opportunities in domestic and regional markets,” said Christy.
According to him political stability, regional integration, institutional capacity and business climate have significant influence on the performance of the agribusiness sector.
He indicated that are shaping agribusiness and agro-industries in Africa that are been affected by negative economic forces, political and legal forces, social forces, technological forces and the increasing urban populations.