Global agribusiness leader Olam Agri will convene public and private sector leaders in Kigali to discuss how Africa can unlock investment and accelerate large-scale local food processing capacity.
As Africa’s food demand continues to evolve due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and changing consumer preferences, Olam Agri is set to host a high-level panel discussion during the upcoming Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali.
Titled “Beyond Aspiration: Unlocking Capital for African Agri-Processing”, the side event will bring together an influential group of speakers from both the public and private sectors. The discussion will focus on one of the continent’s most pressing economic questions: how to unlock capital at scale and accelerate investment in local food processing and manufacturing capacity across Africa.
The session will be moderated by Ms. Ondiro Oganga, Africa Correspondent at Bloomberg.
The panelists include H.E. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry for the Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Ramesh Moochikal, CEO of Africa Improved Foods, and Mr. Anil Nair, Country Head of Nigeria at Olam Agri.
The discussion aims to explore practical solutions that can move agri-processing projects from ambition to execution. Topics will include the importance of predictable policies, efficient approval systems, sustainable investment incentives, and stronger trade and logistics frameworks that can support long-term industrial growth across the continent.
According to the organisers, Africa’s domestic food processing and manufacturing sector remains significantly underdeveloped despite rising consumer demand for processed and diversified food products. This has left many African markets heavily dependent on imports and vulnerable to global price volatility and external supply chain disruptions.
The panel will examine what combination of policy reforms, financing structures, and investment strategies can make large-scale agri-processing projects commercially viable and attractive to investors. Participants are also expected to discuss how governments and private sector stakeholders can collaborate to build credible regional project pipelines and improve investor confidence.
Key themes expected to shape the conversation include adapting to shifting demand dynamics driven by urbanisation and demographic growth, identifying the most effective policy and trade frameworks to attract manufacturing investment, and finding ways to move projects successfully from concept stage to financial close.
Source: Africa CEO Forum
