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Supply chains are stretched thin across the world, and Africa sits at the crossroads of challenge and opportunity. The link between what we grow and how we move it isn’t just a business problem—it’s a chance to change millions of lives.
Africa’s population is exploding. In cities and rural towns, you can feel the energy and ambition. More mouths to feed? Sure. But there’s also more potential than ever before. Agriculture, long the backbone of the continent, is once again in the spotlight. And this time, it’s powered by tech, data, and a new generation of entrepreneurs ready to shake things up
That’s the story at the heart of “African Agritech: The State of Play and Potential for Prosperity,” a joint effort from DHL and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Centre for African Management and Markets (CAMM). This isn’t just a report—it’s a front-row seat to the transformation happening on farms and in markets across Africa. From smart logistics and green innovation to digital tools that connect farmers with buyers in seconds, the agricultural scene is buzzing with possibility.
Yes, the hurdles are real. The weather is unpredictable, infrastructure is patchy, and resources aren’t always easy to come by. But look closer and you’ll see pockets of brilliance: farmers using drones to monitor crops, AI fighting pests before they become a problem, and business models that let smallholders sell to anyone, anywhere. This is where Africa’s future is being written—in the fields, on the roads, and in the data.
Hennie Heymans
CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, sums it up: “Africa is growing in more ways than one. The population is surging and so is economic activity. Nearly half of the world’s fastest-growing economies are right here. But we’ve still got work to do to make sure everyone benefits.”
The Real Story: Grit, Growth, and Groundbreaking Ideas
The report doesn’t dodge the tough stuff, but it refuses to be gloomy. Instead, it’s packed with stories of resilience—of farmers and innovators who are using new tools to turn age-old problems on their heads. Digital tech like drones and AI are doing everything from spotting fires to protecting crops. Biocontrol is healing tired soil, and clever new businesses are helping farmers get their goods from the farm gate to the shopper’s basket in record time.
Heymans is clear: this is about more than just weathering the storm. It’s about harnessing Africa’s momentum and building something lasting. He’s quick to thank the report’s authors for their insight and hard work, calling their research “a huge leap forward as we prepare for Africa’s next population surge.”
Beyond Buzzwords: Why Agritech Matters Now
Let’s be honest—agritech isn’t just a shiny new toy. For Africa, it’s survival. It’s about growing more food, wasting less, and making sure farmers get a fair shot at bigger markets.
But none of that happens without smart partnerships, policies that keep up with change, and logistics that don’t just deliver—they unlock potential.
The report lays it out: Africa has work to do. Infrastructure needs investment, money for new ideas is hard to come by, and supply chains can be downright tricky. But the solutions are here—if business, government, and logistics experts like DHL step up and work together.
This isn’t a report you’ll read and forget. It’s a blueprint for anyone who wants to be part of Africa’s food revolution. Policymakers, investors, agritech founders, supply chain pros—if you want the inside scoop and real-world strategies, this is where you start.
Ready to see what the future of agritech and logistics looks like for Africa?
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