Sterling Bank Limited has announced the date for its 5th Agric Summit Africa (ASA), with the sum of N1 billion to be invested on Agro Innovation.
The gesture is the organisation’s significant contribution to the agriculture sector.
A press statement from the organiser said this year’s event, themed: “Empowering Innovations: A Confluence of Capital, Vision, and Agribusiness Enterprise,” is expected to hold on 8th of November 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Speaking on the incoming event, Sterling Bank’s Group Head of Agric and Solid Minerals, Dr. Shola Obikanye, said since its maiden edition in 2019, ASA has played a pivotal role in addressing critical issues within Nigeria’s agriculture sector, adding that it has consistently brought together influential figures from various sectors to discuss and explore innovative solutions for the industry’s challenges.
Obikanye said further: “The initiative has rightly earned its place as a cornerstone event for the agriculture sector in sub-Saharan Africa”.
He added that ASA has chosen to lead with the kind of innovation and change it has advocated for over the years, stating, “This year the organisers of the ASA will feature an incubator-style investors’ deal room, which, in addition to its insightful discussions, will offer the opportunity for agribusiness entrepreneurs to promote their innovative ideas and receive the necessary funding and business support they need to scale”.
He disclosed: “This unique addition provides a platform for promising agro-innovators to present their transformative business solutions to a panel of industry experts, with a chance to secure grants of up to N50 million and financing options totalling up to N1 billion.
“The driving force behind ASA AgroPitch 2023 is rooted in ASA’s commitment to financing Nigeria’s agriculture sector and fostering the change needed for advancement. By injecting substantial capital at the SME level, ASA is championing the movement to shape a sustainable agricultural future for Nigeria.
“This initiative warmly invites all promising agropreneurs to join this noble endeavour and establish themselves as pioneers of agricultural innovation”.
Meanwhile, to participate in ASA AgroPitch 2023, the Bank urged interested agribusiness owners can submit their applications through the ASA website at www.agricsummit.org.
They are advised to follow the two-step application process for an opportunity to grow your agribusiness exponentially.
Entries for applications the deposit’s Bank confirmed will close on the 30th of October, 2023 at 11:59pm
