The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Africa is set to host the Private Sector Consultation – the 4th Agribusiness Leaders Dialogue (AALD4) as part of preparations for the 34th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC34).
The virtual consultation will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM SAST (GMT+2) on Zoom and is expected to bring together agribusiness leaders, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing Africa’s agrifood systems.
to be held under the theme “Sustaining Agrifood Systems Transformation in Africa: Innovate. Partner. Invest.”, the dialogue aims to gather insights from private sector actors whose views will help shape the official private sector statement to be delivered at ARC34.
Key speakers and discussions
The session will feature opening remarks from Mr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa at FAO, and Mr. Ben Leyka, Chief Executive Officer of the African Agri Council.
Participants will also receive a briefing on the objectives and agenda of ARC34 from Mr.Ayman Omer,FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Africa.
In addition,Ms. Lauren Michelle Phillips,FAO Director of Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division,
will provide insights into FAO’s new Private Sector Strategy, outlining how the organization intends to strengthen collaboration with the private sector to accelerate agrifood transformation.
Focus on partnerships and innovation
A key highlight of the dialogue will be a panel discussion focusing on how partnerships, innovation, and investment can help accelerate agrifood system transformation across Africa.
The moderated discussion will feature representatives from leading agribusinesses, financial institutions, and industry bodies who will share perspectives on scaling impactful solutions across the continent. Additional panelists are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Opportunity for stakeholder engagement
The consultation will also include an open question-and-answer session, allowing participants to raise questions, share ideas, and contribute perspectives that will inform the private sector’s position ahead of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa.
Organisers say the dialogue presents an important opportunity for agribusiness stakeholders to influence discussions on the future of Africa’s food systems, particularly in areas such as investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Participants are encouraged to register to join the Zoom meeting by clicking on the link below .
