By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The African Agribusiness
Incubators Network (AAIN) and the African Union–Interafrican Bureau for Animal
Resources (AU-IBAR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at
strengthening Africa's agribusiness incubation and acceleration ecosystem.
The agreement was signed
during the 11th African Agribusiness Incubation and Acceleration Conference and
Expo (AAICE 2026) held in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The partnership is expected
to enhance collaboration in agribusiness innovation, entrepreneurship,
knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the development of sustainable
agrifood systems across the continent.
Under the agreement, AAIN
and AU-IBAR will work together to support agribusiness incubators,
entrepreneurs, innovators, and enterprises through initiatives designed to
promote business growth, improve innovation ecosystems, and strengthen food
systems.
The collaboration also
aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Comprehensive Africa
Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration, both of which
recognise agribusiness incubation as an important mechanism for creating
employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women, while
advancing food security, economic transformation, and climate resilience.
The two organisations said
the partnership will contribute to expanding opportunities for agribusiness
enterprises and fostering a more resilient agricultural sector capable of
supporting inclusive economic development across Africa.
AAIN also acknowledged the
support of the African Union Commission, AU-IBAR, the Government of Burundi,
the African Development Bank, and other partners for their continued commitment
to advancing agribusiness development and innovation on the continent.
