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New Small and Medium sized Enterprise (SME) Impact Report Advocates Enhanced Support for Agribusinesses to Navigate the “Triple Crisis”

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3 years ago

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Triple Crisis

The report recommends more focused, tailored, and concerted investment and support to improve quality and quantity of produce at the farmer level

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 7, 2024/APO Group/ — 

AGRA (https://AGRA.org) has today released the 3rd edition of the ‘African Agribusiness Outlook Report’ which sheds light on the impact of the “Triple Crisis” – Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict – on small and medium-sized agribusinesses in Nigeria, Zambia, and Tanzania.

Download Document 1: https://apo-opa.co/3wFHDt7
Download Document 2: https://apo-opa.co/49GruT3

The report, which is jointly produced by AGRA and IPSOS, surveyed 1,623 small and agribusinesses in the rice, maize and tomato value chains in Nigeria, Zambia and Tanzania, and the soybean, maize and tomato value chains in Zambia.

The study examined the impact of various measures taken to support SMEs’ performance during the triple crisis, revealing that a substantial proportion of agribusinesses have experienced severe declines in revenue during this period, with only some managing to recover.

The report states: “Agribusinesses in agricultural value chains in Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia, have been hard hit by the “triple crisis” of Covid-19, climate change and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Although the larger businesses were hardest hit in Nigeria and Zambia in 2020, these businesses appear to have been better able to recover as at 2023.

While supply, demand, and operational costs were significant challenges during the peak of the Covid -19 pandemic, the report reveals that businesses continue to grapple with soaring operational expenses in the wake of climate-related impacts and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The report discloses that 58% of SMEs surveyed have experienced substantial revenue declines of 20% percent or more throughout the “triple crisis” period.

Furthermore, the report reveals some of the strategies employed by businesses to stay afloat during these challenging times including injecting additional capital, cost reduction measures, and streamlining their product lines.

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, noted that Agribusinesses have exhibited remarkable adaptability, innovation, and determination, on the one hand, but continue to struggle amidst business disruptions through lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, productivity decreases and reduced consumer demand.

Dr. Kalibata remarked, “We are all aware of the challenges they are facing, however not much has been done to look at the cumulative impact of the triple crisis and the specifics of severity that the agribusinesses are grappling with. As we reflect on the impact of the triple crisis on Agribusinesses in Africa, we must also recognize the incredible potential these enterprises possess.”

She noted that as drivers of farmer resilience, job creation, economic development, and poverty alleviation, African Agribusinesses hold the promise of fostering greater social inclusion and reducing inequality across the continent.

“There is an urgent need for measures to effectively address and alleviate the impacts of these crisis on the sector that serves as the primary employer, engaging over 70 percent of Africa’s population in economic activities and contributing more than 30 percent to the continent’s economies,” Dr Kalibata emphasized.

As we reflect on the impact of the triple crisis on Agribusinesses in Africa, we must also recognize the incredible potential these enterprises possess

The report calls for more collaboration between policymakers, financial institutions, and development organizations to provide supportive ecosystems that empower the Agribusinesses and respond to their three top asks: access to affordable finance, fostering a business-enabling environment, particularly with stable and predictable policies and supporting an effective regional trade system.

The report recommends more focused, tailored, and concerted investment and support to improve quality and quantity of produce at the farmer level.

This report recommends the adoption of policies that encourage the development of financial products specifically tailored to the agricultural sector and improving financial policies to enhance access to affordable credit.

To optimize the efficiency of SMEs and reduce transaction costs, there is a call for improved market information. Enhancing information services related to supply and demand is vital, as it can facilitate better decision-making for agribusinesses. A well-informed market, it notes will lead to improved supply efficiency. The report calls upon governments to reduce fuel costs, mitigate currency fluctuations, ensure timely fertilizer subsidies, streamline business registration processes, and efficiently manage storage facilities.

Summary of key findings

Extent of Revenue Drops

  • In Nigeria, 51 percent of SMEs reported a decline in revenue since the 2019 Covid-19 outbreak.
  • In Tanzania, 44 percent of SMEs experienced a drop in revenue.
  • In Zambia, 21 percent of SMEs reported a decline in their revenue.

impact of the crisis on different sectors and business sizes

  • In Nigeria, maize was the hardest-hit crop in 2020. Medium-sized businesses were affected the most but recovered faster than smaller businesses.
  • In Tanzania, maize was also the hardest-hit crop and struggled to recover compared to other value chains.
  • In Zambia, tomatoes and soybeans were significantly impacted. Tomatoes recovered faster, and medium-sized businesses were hit hardest by Covid-19 but also recovered more quickly.

Impact of climate change

  • Unreliable rainfall is perceived as a very big problem in Zambia (54 percent) and Tanzania (62 percent) but a lower concern in Nigeria (32 percent).

Causes of Revenue Decline

  • In Nigeria, the high cost of transport was identified as a leading cause, accounting for 85 percent of the challenges faced. 
  • In Tanzania, low-profit margins were a significant issue, with 83 percent of SMEs affected.
  • In Zambia, low-profit margins also posed a challenge, impacting 77 percent of businesses.

strategies to mitigate the revenue decline and financial challenges 

• Capital injection: SMEs in Nigeria injected more capital into their businesses (42 percent), followed by Zambia (32 percent) and Tanzania (24 percent). 

•  Reduced staff costs: To cut expenses, SMEs in Zambia reduced staff costs (24 percent), followed by Tanzania (33 percent) and Nigeria (36 percent).

• Loan uptake: While loan uptake grew over the past few years, only a minority of SMEs took out loans to cope with the crisis, citing perceived affordability as a barrier. Currently, the highest loan uptake by businesses is Zambia (15 per cent) followed by Nigeria (12 percent) and Tanzania (10 percent).

The report, ‘From Crisis to Opportunity: The 2023 Africa Agribusiness Outlook, is attached on the email, alongside a fact sheet containing key figures from the report. .

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AGRA.

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Enlit Africa seeks contributions that move the conversation from strategy to execution: ensuring a Future Fit Africa

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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Africa

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Speaker submissions are open for Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com), as it returns to the CTICC, Cape Town from 11–13 May 2027.

Do you have a project, lesson, strategy or innovation that Africa’s energy sector should hear about?

 




  

We invite utilities, project owners, developers, IPPs, commercial and industrial energy users, municipalities, policymakers, regulators, financiers, researchers and industry practitioners to submit abstracts sharing practical experience, case studies, research, projects and lessons from across Africa’s changing energy and water sectors.

What are we looking for?

We particularly encourage non-vendor speakers to submit contributions across:

  1. Enlit Africa Main Stage – From Strategy to Execution
    Policy, market reform, investment, leadership and the decisions required to turn Africa’s energy ambitions into implementation.
  2. Generation
    New capacity, generation technologies, energy security, operating performance and Africa’s evolving energy mix.
  3. Transmission & Distribution
    Grid expansion, modernisation, open access, system operation, cross-border interconnection, digitalisation and infrastructure investment.
  4. Municipal Forum:Municipal management, with an emphasis on electricity and water – with a strong emphasis on service delivery.
  5. Power Hub:Technical advancements in power generation, transmission, distribution and more. Technical presentations encouraged.
  6. Water Hub:Technical insights into water management and solutions.
  7. Water Security Hub: Strategy, finance, management and technology application for water security.
  8. Project & Investment Hub: Project developments, country roundtables, project briefings, finance, and innovative financing models (including M300).
  9. Renewable Energy & Storage:Covering both technical and strategic applications of renewables and storage.

What makes a strong submission?

We want to hear about what is happening on the ground.

Tell us about:

  • A project being implemented or developed
  • A challenge your organisation has solved – or is still trying to solve
  • Lessons from implementation
  • New research or industry findings
  • Innovative financing or commercial models
  • Technologies being deployed in real operating environments
  • Policy or regulatory changes and what they mean in practice
  • Approaches that could be replicated elsewhere in Africa

Preference will be given to submissions that provide practical insights, measurable outcomes and lessons that the wider industry can apply.

Why present at Enlit Africa?

Africa does not need another conversation about what should happen. Help us explore how we make it happen and how we ensure Africa is future fit.

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment.

Submission details

Abstract length: 300–500 words
Submission deadline: 29 January 2027
Speaker feedback: 7 December 2026 – 5 February 2027

Visit the Enlit Africa website to submit your speaker abstract: https://apo-opa.co/4d2TTq2

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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CEM Africa Awards 2026 set to recognise Africa’s leading Customer Experience (CX) talent and innovation

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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CEM Africa Awards

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners

The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent

 




 
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Customer experience professionals, teams and organisations across Africa have just days remaining to enter the 2026 CEM Africa Awards, with free applications closing on 30 September 2026.

 

Taking place on 10 November 2026 at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, the Customer Experience Africa Awards form part of the CEM Africa platform and recognise the individuals, teams, technologies and initiatives raising the standard of customer experience across the continent.

For organisations considering whether to enter, the company they could be keeping provides a compelling indication of the calibre of the awards.

A growing roll call of African CX leaders

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners. Finalists represented organisations spanning financial services, technology, telecommunications, retail, insurance, public services and social impact.

Among them were Absa, Capitec Bank, Santam, Telesure Investment Holdings, Equity Bank, Takealot.com, NTT DATA, Frogfoot, Telviva, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Social Development.

The 2025 winners included Serisha Iyer of Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, named Rising Star in CX; Alma Angela Olela of Jubilee Health Insurance, named CX Leader of the Year; and Franco Cotumaccio of Shadow Global, winner of Breaking Barriers in CX.

Corporate winners included Telesure Investment Holdings for Best Overall CX Solution, Krisp for Best Use of AI, Telviva for Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator for Best Customer Experience Team of the Year and the University of Pretoria for Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

That follows a 2024 edition in which winners included NCBA Bank, MultiChoice, Digital Solutions Group, Absa Bank and Telviva, alongside individual CX leaders from across the continent.

More than a trophy

For entrants, recognition through the CEM Africa Awards puts their work in front of a wider African CX community and an independent judging panel drawn from across the industry.

The 2026 judging panel includes global CX specialist Ian Golding; Andrew (Dré) Enebeli, Head of CX & Engagement at Access Bank; Dr Oliver Museka, President and Founder of IRDM College Eswatini; Jonathan Daniels, Managing Director of CX Centric; Joven Pillay, Partner and Head of Customer Consulting at KPMG; and Qaalfa Dibeehi, Managing Partner at Human2Outcome.

This year’s awards recognise excellence across four broad pillars – People, Innovation, Transformation and Government – covering categories including CX Leader of the Year, Rising Star in CX, Breaking Barriers in CX, Best Overall CX Solution, Best Use of AI, Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Best Customer Experience Team of the Year, Best Digital Transformation in Public Services and Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

“The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent. These awards give that work a platform. Whether it is a major transformation programme, an innovative use of technology or an individual changing how their organisation thinks about the customer, we want to make sure Africa’s best work is being seen and recognised.”

  • Briteny Price, Event Manager and CEM Africa Awards Director

Final opportunity to enter

Applications for the 2026 CEM Africa Awards are free and remain open until 30 September 2026. Finalists will be announced in October, ahead of the awards ceremony on 10 November at the NH Hotel, Sandton.

Organisations, teams and individuals working to improve customer and citizen experience across Africa are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline.

Apply for the CEM Africa Awards 2026 by 30 September 2026

Submit your application (https://apo-opa.co/4hdcimx)

Explore the CEM Africa Awards

Visit the CEM Africa Awards website (https://apo-opa.co/4iNXzzM)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




  

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Emirates to bring the A350 to Nairobi, introducing next-generation cabin experiences

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2 days ago

on

September 25, 2026

By

Emirates

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • From 25 October, Nairobi becomes the 32nd destination to be served by the Emirates A350
  • Latest-generation aircraft introduces Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time, along with enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins
  • Deployment reinforces Emirates’ continued investment in Kenya and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience across its Africa network

 




  

Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, will soon serve Nairobi with its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350 (https://apo-opa.co/47hy1nv). From 25 October 2026, the A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates’ latest-generation cabin experience to customers travelling between Dubai and Nairobi. The Emirates A350 is defined by spacious, bright cabins, enhanced technology, connectivity, and the airline’s signature hospitality across all three cabins.

 

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings.

 

Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya said, “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya. We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”

 

 

What passengers can expect from the A350

The newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, the A350 accommodates 298 passengers in three spacious cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every journey.

 

Making its debut in Kenya, Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers elevated comfort, comparable to a Business Class experience on many airlines. The cabin is spacious with leather reclining seats that feature a generous pitch, adjustable headrests and more legroom. Customers can enjoy in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights – including the Dubai-Nairobi route – and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin

 

Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and a spacious, private environment for both work and relaxation. The fully lie-flat seat is wrapped in soft cream leather and features a personal minibar and wireless charging for comfort and convenience. At the back of the cabin is a snack display area allowing passengers to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight.

 

Economy Class features an all new, airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, complemented by lighter-toned wood finishings. Each seat features the airline’s upgraded ice inflight entertainment system on a 13.3inch 4K adjustable touchscreen, while generous seat pitch and leather headrests provide support, comfort and extra legroom.

 

 

Continuing to raise the bar in Kenya

The deployment of the A350 follows a series of enhancements to the Emirates customer proposition in Kenya, including the introduction of the third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. With 21 flights per week, customers have greater flexibility and connections between Kenya and key markets across Europe and the US, via Dubai.

 

Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/4yeI34C) store, which opened in 2024, offering customers a more immersive way to discover Emirates’ products, while offering more convenience and personalised service.

 

Earlier this year, Emirates introduced further flexibility for customers in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, launching a split-payment solution (https://apo-opa.co/4xLYG6R) that allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods across 24-hour instalments when purchasing airfares.

Tickets can be booked now on Emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as Emirates World Store (https://apo-opa.co/46Kglkc) in Nairobi. Emirates continues to offer flexible booking policies for added peace of mind while travelling. Every ticket booked after 10th August 2026 comes with free unlimited dates changes to Dubai and one complimentary date change to anywhere else in the world, in addition to significantly reduced refund fees across all cabins and fare types, allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans with minimal penalties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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