On Saturday, 15th March 2025, AfREN hosted a virtual Zoom session titled “Investing in Food Exportation: My Story.” The webinar featured two guest speakers: Ms. Oluwayemisi Atobatele of YKG Farms NG and Ms. Janet Kwaghgba of CrestyCrisp Coconut NG both maximizing the different value chains of Plantain and Coconut respectively, who shared their experiences, insights, and challenges in the food exportation business. The session aimed to educate participants on the opportunities available in food exportation, providing practical knowledge for entrepreneurs interested in expanding their businesses globally.
Key Highlights from the Session
1. Understanding the Food Export Market:
a. The speakers provided an overview of the food export industry, focusing on its vast potential and the increasing global demand for African food products.
b. Participants gained insights into navigating international markets and complying with export regulations.
2. Challenges and Solutions in Food Exportation:
a. Ms. Atobatele shared challenges faced, including product standardization, packaging, and regulatory hurdles in different export destinations.
b. Ms Kwaghgba emphasized issues such as supply chain management, certification processes especially with NAFDAC, and export logistics.
c. Both speakers stressed the importance of thorough research and understanding the regulatory requirements of target markets.
3. The Role of Quality and Branding in Export Success: Some of the participants in their contributions stressed the need for quality assurance in export business, especially from the angle of Food Science professionals.
a. Quality assurance is non-negotiable in food exportation, and businesses must adhere to international safety and quality standards.
b. Effective branding, including proper labeling, certifications, and storytelling, plays a crucial role in gaining customer trust and attracting international buyers.
4. Education and Continuous Learning:
The speakers emphasized the need for continuous learning, networking with industry professionals, and leveraging mentorship programs to stay ahead in the export business.
They also highlighted the benefits of participating in trade expos and business networking events.
5. Financial Considerations and Scaling Strategies:
a. Accessing funding and grants for export businesses was discussed, with insights on how to pitch to investors and secure financial support.
b. Scaling strategies, including partnering with distributors, utilizing e-commerce platforms, and leveraging digital marketing, were explored.
Call to Action:
1. Join the dedicated whatsapp community for agribusiness enthusiasts and individuals interested in export trade for their agri products.
2. A collaborative Masterclass: AfREN, in collaboration with the speakers, will be hosting an exclusive Masterclass on Food Exportation. This will provide in-depth, practical training on how to succeed in the industry. Stay tuned for details and ensure you register early
3. Stay Connected: Follow AfREN for more industry insights, training opportunities, and networking events that can help you grow your business in food exportation.
4. Watch the replay here if you missed the session or would like to revisit the discussion.
Conclusion:
The “Investing in Food Exportation: My Story” webinar was a valuable session that shed light on the process of exporting food products. The insights shared by the speakers provided participants with practical knowledge to navigate the food export industry successfully. As AfREN continues to support and educate entrepreneurs in this field, we encourage all interested individuals to take advantage of upcoming programs, including the exclusive masterclass.
For inquiries and more information, stay updated via www.afrenet.org