Global: Digital Agriculture Innovation Hubs in the 6° African Microfinance Week

The Global Network of Digital Agriculture and Innovation Hubs actively participated in the 6th African Microfinance Week (SAM - Semaine Africaine de la Microfinance) held in Lome, Togo from October 16th to 20th, 2023. SAM, known by its French acronym, is a significant biennial event dedicated to advancing financial inclusion in Africa. It brings together key stakeholders from the sector, including investors, microfinance institutions (MFIs), researchers, banks, networks, innovators, and governments, all focusing on the central theme of "Making Finance Inclusive and Sustainable."

During this event, the Digital Agriculture and Innovation Hubs (DAIH) played a highly active role in the Innovator's Village, a central component of SAM. In this space, the DAIH showcased its digital solutions and current offerings within the four piloting countries: Ethiopia, Grenada, Dominica, and Morocco. The event provided a unique opportunity to exhibit the hub's vision and business model, aiming to revolutionize the digitalization and innovation ecosystem in agriculture. Alongside 36 innovators from around the world, the DAIH engaged with over 600 participants over two days, demonstrating the potential for transformative change.

Furthermore, the occasion was leveraged to establish collaborations with Vision Fund International Microfinance, identifying potential partners committed to the transformation of the agri-tech sector through holistic and innovative approaches to providing access to finance for small businesses and farmers. The hub actively exchanged knowledge with agri-tech startups and innovators, participated in panels, and engaged in business-to-business discussions on agricultural finance, digital finance, and innovation, learning from seasoned experts and leaders in the field.

We are committed to be at the forefront of innovative initiatives aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and making a significant impact on young and women farmers through digital innovation solutions.