Kenya’s premier business school, Strathmore University, has partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to establish the Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Center (SAFIC). This initiative aims to revolutionize food systems across Africa through innovative, evidence-based interventions.
SAFIC is dedicated to fostering sustainable agricultural growth and supporting various stakeholders, including national and county governments, the private sector, and development partners. By leveraging data-driven solutions and enhancing private sector involvement, SAFIC seeks to unlock the full potential of Africa’s agriculture.
Prof Wagura Ndiritu, Director of SAFIC, emphasized the center’s mission to improve visibility across the entire agricultural value chain, from production to market distribution. He noted that many agribusinesses face challenges such as business management, market access, capital acquisition, and scaling. Central to SAFIC’s mission is the creation of the Community of Practice (CoP) on Agri Markets Data for Investment & Growth (AMDIG), a platform for sharing data insights and knowledge.
AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata praised Strathmore Business School for recognizing the importance of data-driven solutions in agribusiness. She highlighted AGRA’s past collaborations with 14 universities across Africa to train micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSEs and SMEs). Dr. Kalibata pledged AGRA’s continued support for Strathmore, including data sharing and research collaboration.
Dr. Kalibata also encouraged Strathmore faculty to utilize AGRA’s programs, such as the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA), which supports businesses and governments in creating tailored agricultural solutions. Other AGRA initiatives like Dealroom, Youth Connect, and Value4Her provide networking, mentorship, and empowerment resources for the agricultural community.
Strathmore University Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Ogutu highlighted the opportunity to transform Kenya’s and Africa’s food systems through SAFIC. He emphasized Strathmore’s role in converting data into practical solutions to tackle food security challenges on the continent.
Keynote speaker Hon. Dr. Kanyuithia Mutunga, Chair of the Agricultural Committee for the National Assembly, stressed the need for credible data to drive innovation and strengthen market linkages. He affirmed that the national government would collaborate with SAFIC on data collection and dissemination to support agricultural advancement.
The launch of SAFIC marks a new era for African agriculture, characterized by collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and strategic partnerships. SAFIC is committed to empowering stakeholders and fostering innovation to promote sustainable growth and food security across the continent.