Dr. Yousry Elsharkawi, chairman of the Egyptian-African Businessmen Association,held A virtual conference with the participation of the representative office of the Assembly in South Africa, Which was entitled “How to Improve Small and Medium Enterprises – Food Security Chain”, In the presence of the representative of the Assembly in South Africa, “Mr. Daniel Muchwin”, and Managing Partner of Hector Capital “Mr. Clive Ramathpila Smith”.
The webinar was also attended by Nutra Vest Ltd Director, Daniel Chavo Kisica, Chief Operating Officer of Wild Coast Foods, Mrs. Thabessa Mulishi, The CEO of AgriTV, Mr. Brian Mbatha, and Director of Corporate Services at SETSO Foods “Mrs. Marcia Cento”, and CEO of LFP Group “Mr. Louis Bolzon”.
Elsharkawi began, The meeting welcomed and thanked all attendees, He continued his speech by referring to the interest received by small and medium enterprises. by all members of the Association, Because these projects have an important and fundamental role in advancing production in all sectors, and providing job opportunities for young people. Where small and medium enterprises represent 95% of the process of improving food security.
Elsharkawi reviewed, The role of small and medium enterprises in improving the African economy, Stressing that the association seeks to provide all aspects of the necessary support and facilities; To encourage the private sector to set up small and medium enterprises in Africa, and expanding into the depths of the continent.
He stressed the importance of working to draw the economic map of the African continent, Noting the importance of strengthening cooperation frameworks with the State of South Africa on files of common interest; to deepen the African economy, achieving food security, To benefit all countries of the African continent.
During the meeting, Mr. Louis Bolzon explained, CEO of LFP Group, that the group has solutions for sustainable development, The most important of which is the AGRI Small and Medium Enterprises Development Program. He emphasized that this program was designed based on smart business modeling practices, Stressing that its aim is not only to give the unemployed in South Africa the necessary skills, but to allow them to start new businesses, Increasing economic growth and creating a sustainable and strong society.
Lewis talked about certified digital training solutions, He emphasized that the digital platform was designed; interesting to the learner, It includes new tools and approaches to help learners in a unique way. While reviewing sustainable development solutions in his group, Bolzon noted, to approved off-site training solutions, Where the institution offers educational and short courses recognized by the Ministry of Education, And at many SETA institutions.
Mr. Brian Mbatha touched upon, To talk about the role of small and medium enterprises in achieving food security, where food is transported from farms to homes, creating jobs for millions, He added that small and medium-sized businesses are often women-led in South Africa, Especially companies specializing in the food industry, and wholesale, and retailers.
Mbatha take, challenges to food security, Including the disadvantages of monoculture, He emphasized that it enhances poverty and increases poor areas. Although it has high agricultural and environmental potential, He also emphasized that farmers sell produce to offset the rising costs of inputs, seeds, fertilizers, labour, and diesel. And other major challenges.
He also stressed that food has become a commodity traded in the market. But whoever controls the market determines the price of food, He added that the instability due to Covid-19, weather events, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, One of the most surprising challenges in the food supply chain is: He continued that the financial challenges, and lack of added value and skills, infrastructure, markets, diseases caused by certain foods, All are challenges to food security.
The meeting also discussed ways to achieve a complete balance in order to improve productivity. The attendees concluded that the new methods must include incentives to establish new and dynamic SMEs. and the establishment of household agricultural institutions, which in themselves have become sources of production, creating new job opportunities, and income generators, and food security strongholds, Depending on input, production, and processing, and sub-retail of agribusiness chains.
In the same context, The attendees emphasized that the government needs to intervene by providing free seeds and fertilizers, Emphasizing that small and medium-sized companies can benefit from organic pesticides, Emphasizing that SMEs need to shift from monoculture to biodiversity and organic methods, and environmental.
The meeting confirmed, On the need to move away from primitive methods that reduce productivity to the adoption of technical solutions, The attendees added that small and medium-sized companies need platforms to display their products. Attention to developing skills.
As the meeting dealt with, Follow up on the executive steps of the discussions, viewpoints and visions presented during the previous meetings, Elsharkawi concluded the meeting by stressing the importance of consultation. constant exchange of opinions, In order to serve coordination and consensus on the issues raised, Elsharkawi affirmed the association’s keenness to strengthen joint economic relations with South Africa.