Agri-Fintech Revolution: Transforming Rural Value Chains Through Technology
2024 Theme
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of economies worldwide, accounting for over two-thirds of global employment and playing a critical role in job creation and economic resilience. However, persistent financing gaps limit their potential to drive inclusive growth and recovery from economic shocks.
The G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) MSME Action Plan provides a timely framework to address these challenges, fostering resilience and innovation among SMEs while aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs). The Global SME Finance Forum, an official side event of the G20 South African Presidency, will present GPFI’s comprehensive roadmap to address the systemic barriers hindering SMEs’ access to finance.
G20 MSME Action Plan: Financing and Policy Enablers
Resilient Value Chains: Strengthen sustainable sourcing, fair labour practices, and circular economy models to future-proof SMEs against disruptions.
Tailored Financial Solutions: Provide customised financial tools to promote the financial health and stability of micro and small enterprises.
Scaling Success Stories: Highlight examples of SMEs achieving growth through innovative financing models and sustainable business frameworks.
Digital Innovation: Powering SME Growth and Global Competitiveness
Value Chain Integration: Highlight success stories of SMEs scaling through digital integration, such as streamlined supply chains or cross-border e-commerce platforms.
Global Reach: Equip SMEs with technology to compete internationally, from cloud based accounting systems to AI-driven market analytics.
Empowering SMEs in Sustainability, Resilience and Growth
Policy Reforms: Promoting policies that facilitate working capital, trade finance, and digital payments while supporting financial technologies that simplify SME operations.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to mobilize resources, mitigate risks, and scale impactful solutions
Synopsis:
This session delved into how agri-fintech innovations were transforming rural value chains by leveraging technology to address financing and sustainability challenges. Panelists explored a collaborative ecosystem of agtech providers, financial institutions, and off-takers, showcasing real-world examples of partnerships that integrated technology to support smallholder farmers. Participants gained insights into de-risking agri-finance, reducing costs, and building resilient value chains, while learning about the key pillars of successful agri-fintech models.
Speakers:
Abrhame Endrias, Founder and Managing Director, Lersha
Aliou Maïga, Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Africa, International Finance Corporation
Hamza Rkha Chaham, CEO, Sowit
Tesfaye Bedada, Head of Agronomy and Supply Chain, Soufflet Malt Ethiopia
Moderator:
Riadh Naouar, Manager, FIG Africa Upstream and Advisory, North, West and Central Africa, International Finance Corporation