LAGOS/Nigeria: Sterling Bank Limited has announced its commitment to allocate one billion Naira in support of agro-innovators participating in the forthcoming Agric Summit Africa (ASA), scheduled for November 8, 2023, in Lagos.
Dr. Shola Obikanye, Group Head of Agric. and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank Limited, conveyed this pledge in a recent statement. He underscored ASA’s vital role in addressing critical issues within Nigeria’s agriculture sector since its inception in 2019.
Obikanye emphasized how ASA has consistently gathered influential figures from diverse sectors to engage in discussions and explore innovative solutions for the challenges facing the agriculture industry. This year, ASA 2023’s theme is “Empowering Innovations: A Confluence of Capital, Vision, and Agribusiness Enterprise.”
Describing ASA as a cornerstone event in the sub-Saharan African agriculture sector, Obikanye detailed the unique addition to this year’s summit—a dedicated incubator-style investors’ deal room. In addition to insightful discussions, this space will provide agribusiness entrepreneurs with the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and secure the essential funding and business support required for scaling.
Obikanye highlighted the substantial financial support available, noting that agro-innovators have the chance to secure grants of up to N50 million and financing options totaling up to N1 billion. The driving force behind ASA AgroPitch 2023 is ASA’s unwavering commitment to financing Nigeria’s agriculture sector and driving the change necessary for its advancement.
By injecting significant capital at the SME level, ASA aims to lead the way toward shaping a sustainable agricultural future for Nigeria. Obikanye extended a warm invitation to promising agropreneurs, urging them to participate in this noble endeavor and position themselves as pioneers of agricultural innovation.
To join ASA AgroPitch 2023, agribusiness owners can submit their applications through the ASA website at www.agricsummit.org. The application process involves two steps and presents an opportunity for exponential growth in their agribusinesses.
As the deadline for applications swiftly approaches, interested parties are advised to act promptly. Entries for applications will close on October 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., offering agribusiness entrepreneurs a limited window to seize this promising opportunity to transform the landscape of Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
