The Danish platform for innovative, sustainable, commercial solutions to the emerging African markets. See more at www.access2innovation.com
A2i July 2025: “Africa is not the future. It is the present” + General Assembly 2025 + New business delegations in the fall
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Africa is not the future. It is the present Let us open Zimbabwe and Kenya for your business A2i General Assembly 2025: Solid ground and New Faces Africa International Pig ConferenceUnlocking Investment Potential In Southern Africa & Strengthening Nordic-Southern African Business: “Africa is not the future. It is the present”On a sunny June morning in Copenhagen, around 50 guests gathered at Haifagade 3 for a high-level prelude to the Nordic–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Hosted by Afrika Consultancy, Access2Innovation, and EIFO, the event titled “Unlocking Investment Potential" spotlighted how Nordic–Southern African collaboration is shaping sustainable business growth. Keynote presentations brought real-world success stories to life. Succes stories Zimbabwean entrepreneur and former minister Supa Collins Mandiwanzira shared insights into Zimbabwe’s readiness for investment, backed by robust policy frameworks, an educated workforce, and advantageous geographic positioning. His vivid portrayal of Nyanga showcased the economic promise in sectors like tourism and agriculture. Alun Hart, founder of Navaco Global, told the inspiring journey of establishing Zimbabwe’s largest avocado processing company. He explained how it had come from a bold idea to a thriving enterprise, anchored by a commitment to purpose-driven growth and inclusive hiring, with women making up 60% of the workforce. Henrik Wollesen from Engsko A/S emphasized the power of local production and the necessity of skilled labour in Southern Africa. Ole Haubro from Aller Aqua highlighted how meaningful local partnerships, timely decision-making, and reinvesting in communities can accelerate aquaculture expansion on the continent. Joining from Angola, Sérgio E. de L. Ferreira reflected on bridging Nordic standards with African potential. A former graduate student in Denmark, he now works to create inclusive ventures rooted in cross-continental collaboration. Handshakes happen in real life A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Afro Community’s Tichaona Maphosa. The conversation explored business realities in Southern Africa, green sector prospects, legal frameworks, and the often-overlooked economic role of diaspora communities. From Tichaona Maphosa came an urge to travel to Africa and experience the continent and culture personally with the words “Handshakes happen in real life – not in Teams meetings.” “Africa is not the future. It is the present,” Supa Collins Mandiwanzira added. Tools from EIFO to de-risk operations EIFO concluded the formal program with a presentation on the tools available to de-risk and catalyze Nordic investments in Africa. Only 2 percent of Denmark's exports go to Africa, the biggest continent of the world. So there is room for improvement. The morning wrapped up with a final networking over refreshments - sealing new connections and sparking ideas for future cooperation. A huge thank you to Florence Charamba from Afrika Consultancy, to EIFO, the online speakers, and to all the wonderful guests who contributed to making it a successful event. New business delegations in fall 2025: Let us open Zimbabwe and Kenya for your businessAccess2innovation in partnership with The Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Afrika Consultancy, and the Danish Representation in Zimbabwe are pleased to invite your company to participate in this 2025 delegation to Zimbabwe in conjunction with the African-Nordic Foreign Ministers Meeting. This business delegation happens September 29 - October 3, 2025. Click here to read more about our business delegation to Zinbabwe. Also in partnership with The Danish Agriculture & Food Council and the Danish Embassy in Kenya, Access2innovation is pleased to invite your company to participate in the 2025 agribusiness delegation to Kenya. This event happens November 10 - 14, 2025. Click here to read more about our business delegation to Kenya. A2i General Assembly 2025: On June 12, Access2innovation gathered its members for the annual general assembly, hosted onsite at EIFO in Nordhavn, Copenhagen. The two-hour session marked a constructive and forward-looking review of the year, with engaged input from our members across business, research, and civil society. A Year of Activity and Progress The Chair of the Board, Henrik Wollesen, opened the meeting by welcoming the participants and guiding the assembly through the structured agenda. His annual report acknowledged the broad scope of activities carried out in 2024 and the organization’s continuous efforts to drive innovation and partnerships across sectors and continents. The board expressed optimism about landing new, projects in the near future. CEO Henrik Anker-Ladefoged was elected as moderator for the assembly and presented both the financial report for 2024 and the proposed budget for 2025. These were both approved, along with the mandate to begin working towards creating a membership fee model that allows for a more flexible structure—comprising a base fee with the possibility of adding services at an additional cost. Two new board members At the General Assmbly the following members were elected to serve on the board from April 2025 to April 2027:
They will join continuing board members:
In addition, three alternates were elected to support the board:
You will meet the new members of the board in the upcoming issues of A2i News. Read more about the general assembly here. Africa International Pig ConferenceSave the date: TANZANIA is set to host the Africa Pig International Conference (APICON) from September 11 to 13, 2025, in Dar es Salaam. The government is keen to support the participation of youth and women to drive transformation in the subsector. More info in our next newsletter. |
Access2innovation News
The Danish platform for innovative, sustainable, commercial solutions to the emerging African markets. See more at www.access2innovation.com
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