Zambeef CEO Faith Mukutu Champions Africa’s Agri-Transformation at TICAD 9
Zambeef Products PLC Chief Executive Officer, Faith Mukutu, has called for stronger investment in Africa’s agricultural value chains to drive food security and economic transformation.
Speaking during high-level panel discussions at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Ms Mukutu emphasised the urgent need to strengthen smallholder farmers’ access to inputs, technology, financing, and markets.
“Africa’s agriculture sector holds immense potential to transform economies and improve livelihoods. At Zambeef, we believe that building robust, sustainable agri-value chains is key to unlocking this potential,” she said.
The side event, themed “Building Sustainable Agri-Value Chains to Boost Africa’s Growth”, highlighted that Africa imports food worth US$65 billion annually, leaving the continent exposed to global supply chain disruptions. With over 140 million people facing acute food insecurity – worsened by climate change and economic shocks – experts agreed that solutions must prioritise resilience and sustainability.
Ms Mukutu presented Zambeef’s “Farm to Fork” business model as a successful example of vertical integration. Covering crop and livestock production, processing, and retail, the company’s operations span the entire value chain. She said this approach could serve as a blueprint for other agribusinesses across the continent.
She also praised Japan’s private sector for its innovation and commitment to quality. “I look forward to learning from the Japanese private sector, especially in areas of innovation and operational excellence. Their commitment to quality and efficiency is something we aspire to emulate,” Ms Mukutu added.
Agriculture remains Africa’s largest employer, engaging more than 52% of the labour force, yet most smallholder farmers depend on rain-fed systems and face limited access to technology and markets. Ms Mukutu stressed that partnerships and knowledge exchange will be crucial in building stronger, more resilient agri-value chains.
