From November 8-10, 2024, the 8th edition of the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum by The Food Bridge will gather industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers at Tour & Taxis in Brussels, Belgium. EUDiF will be there to present its latest contributions and celebrate innovation-driven entrepreneurship in the agrofood sector.
The Food Bridge’s African Diaspora Agrofood Forum (ADAF) is an annual event that brings together diverse voices to address arising topics across Africa’s agricultural value chain, all while fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among diaspora communities, policymakers, investors, and agrofood entrepreneurs.
For this year’s edition, the theme “Innovation-driven entrepreneurship in the agrofood sector” explores innovative solutions, from advanced farming practices to new social, economic, and entrepreneurial approaches, that can positively impact communities.
Diaspora stays at the forefront, as the key objectives of the forum include identifying areas within the agrofood value chain where diaspora contributions are making a difference and exploring how these contributions can enhance food security, employment, and economic empowerment in Africa.
Highlights of the forum agenda
This year, ADAF will feature:
- Policy dialogues: Focused on innovative agrofood entrepreneurship and aligning diaspora engagement with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
- Entrepreneurial innovation panels: Spotlighting actions of diaspora innovators in agrofood.
- Youth and women in agrofood discussion: Featuring diaspora-led projects that include and empower women and youth.
- Funding and resource mobilisation opportunities: Exploring new pathways for supporting agrofood startups and projects across Africa.
Beyond the sessions and workshops, anticipation is building for one of the event’s highlights: the African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneur of the Year award, a recognition celebrating outstanding contributions in agrofood entrepreneurship. Join in shining a spotlight on leaders who are shaping the future of agrofood by submiting a nomination.
The second and third days will host exhibitions of agrofood products, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover new products, and explore avenues for investment and collaboration.
EUDiF at ADAF24
As a collaborators on the 2023 and 2024 Compendium of African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneurs, EUDiF will present this year’s edition of the compendium during the forum. Featuring 13 businesses, including 7 women-led ventures, it showcases entrepreneurs driving progress in agrofood, from sustainable farming to innovative food products. More than just a catalogue, the compendium a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and global connections, celebrating the ways diaspora entrepreneurs are creating jobs and advancing food security.
During the forum, EUDiF will also organise a side session introducing its services, including a “bite-size” workshop on Project Design Essentials tailored to diaspora organisations. This workshop offers a sneak peek into upcoming activities to empower diaspora initiatives through practical guidance and support.
With a shared vision of sustainable, inclusive development, EUDiF is proud to support this year’s ADAF, fostering a collaborative environment that amplifies the contributions of diaspora entrepreneurs.
For more details about participation, partnership or sponsorship, contact diasporaproject@gmail.com or info@thefoodbridge.org.