Academics, Business and Administrators’ Forum (ABAF) Hosts Maiden Conference on Agricultural Modernisation
The Academia, Business and Administrators Forum (ABAF) convened its maiden conference on 20th November, 2025 at the Accra City Hotel, centred on the theme “Innovative Agricultural Transformation and Sustainable Growth in Africa.” The event brought together academics, industry leaders, administrators, students, policymakers, and media representatives to explore innovation-led strategies for strengthening Africa’s agricultural future. The Conference Planning Committee comprised: Professor Cynthia Akwei, Head of the Strategy, International Business and Management Research Group; Mr Emmanuel Poku-Sarkodee, School Administrator, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS); Dr Jocelene Quansah, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, University of Northampton; Mr Kenneth Nii Addy, CEO, Kaddy Ventures; Mr Alfred Fafali Adabdedu, CEO, Seaweld Engineering Ltd.; and Mrs Mammie N. Hutchful Nortey, Head of the Innovation Unit at the Research and Innovation Directorate, University of Ghana.
Professor Akwei chaired the conference and delivered the opening address. She underscored the centrality of agriculture to Africa’s development, noting that the sector employs over 60 per cent of the continent’s workforce and contributes approximately 23 per cent to GDP, yet millions remain food insecure. She emphasised the timeliness of the conference theme, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative, evidence-based solutions capable of driving resilient, competitive and inclusive agricultural systems. She acknowledged the dedicated work of the planning team, the contributions of speakers and panellists, and the support of partners and delegates.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Foster Boateng, CEO of Onesta Limited and Co-founder of Growthway Limited. He situated Africa’s agricultural transformation within a historical and policy context, tracing progress from the 2002 Maputo Declaration through to the 2014 Malabo commitments and the broader vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He stressed that agriculture must be viewed not only as a food-producing sector but as a strategic engine for industrialisation, job creation, and climate resilience. Citing examples such as Rwanda’s transformation, he discussed the growing role of technologies—including drones—in reshaping agricultural systems across the continent.
The Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, commended UGBS, the School of Agriculture, and ABAF for organising a timely and forward-looking event. She noted Africa’s demographic trajectory, with a projected population of 2.5 billion by 2050, and emphasised the need for systems capable of confronting climate change and food insecurity. She reiterated government’s commitment to agricultural and industrial expansion as outlined in the NDC 2024 manifesto and the 2026 national budget, including increased investment in food security initiatives such as the “Feed the Gap” programme.
The conference was structured into five thematic sessions chaired by Professor Albert Ahenkan, Head of the Department of Public Administration, UGBS. Each session featured expert presentations followed by panel discussions. Session One: Strengthening and Developing Sustainable Agribusiness Value Chains Speaker: Dr Henery Anim Somuah Panellists: Mr Raymond Denteh; Mr Kobina Abakah Jackson (ADB) Discussions explored financing strategies, innovative financial models for small-scale farmers, and improving access to credit, insurance, and investment across value chains. Session Two: Developing Sustainable Marketing for Agricultural Products Speaker: Mr Raymond Denteh Panellists: Professor Cynthia Akwei; Dr Michael Cudjoe, CEO Amodelta Company Ltd.; Ms Josephine Quargraine, Director, PPMED, Ministry of Food and Agribusiness The session addressed branding, stakeholder engagement, digital marketing, and expanding regional and global market access for local producers. Session Three: Efficient and Green Supply Chains Speaker: Professor Akwasi Mensah-Bonsu Panellists: Dr Henry Anim Somuah; Dr Gloria Essilfie; Mr Worlali Senyo, CEO Farmerline Key themes included sustainable agri-processing, inclusive local value-addition, green supply-chain practices, and post-harvest loss reduction. Session Four: Promoting Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Agricultural Value Chains Speaker: Professor Cynthia Akwei Panellists: Ms Alberta Akorsa; Mr Raymond Denteh; Professor Cynthia Akwei The session focused on widening participation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities; equitable resource access; leadership development; and inclusive policy engagement. Session Five: Sustainability of Agricultural Value Chains to Enhance Food Security Chair: Professor Eric Nartey, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture Speaker: Dr Michael Cudjoe Panellists: Professor Albert Ahenkan; Dr Sylvester Addy; Dr Michael Cudjoe Discussion centred on climate resilience, technological innovation, and long-term sustainability strategies. Participants later engaged in breakaway thematic discussions on sustainable value chains, diversity and inclusion, and food-security-focused agricultural systems. In the closing remarks, Professor Akwei expressed appreciation to the Minister, facilitators, planning committee, UGBS, the School of Agriculture, invited guests, and students. She encouraged ongoing engagement and invited participants to join the forthcoming online session.
