The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) proudly celebrated a momentous occasion at the Inaugural African Hub Agro-dealer of the Year Award (HAYA) event, held on Wednesday, 6 September 2023 at the prestigious Delta Marriott Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
This groundbreaking event, initiated by AFAP with the generous support of esteemed partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the International Raw Materials (IRM), Maaden and OCP Africa, recognized and honored the remarkable achievements of Hub Agro-dealers across the African agricultural landscape.
The HAYA event brought together key stakeholders, agribusiness leaders, policymakers, and experts from various sectors to acknowledge the pivotal role of Hub Agro-dealers, who serve as the backbone of agricultural development across the continent. These Agri-SMEs drive innovation, sustainability, and growth within the agriculture industry, significantly contributing to enhanced food security and community development.
Michael Sudarkasa, CEO of AFAP, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “HAYA is a testament to the immense potential and dedication of Hub Agro-dealers in Africa. These individuals and organizations are the unsung heroes of our agricultural landscape, and it’s essential to recognize their outstanding contributions. AFAP is proud to have played a role in bringing their achievements to the forefront.”
Jason Scarpone, Chief Sustainability Officer at IRM, highlighted the significance of sustainability in agribusiness, stating, “Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental aspect of agricultural development. HAYA recognizes the agribusinesses that embrace sustainability, and it’s an honor to be part of this transformative event.”
Majed Al-Ammary, Commercial Manager: Africa and Europe at Maaden, emphasized the event’s importance in fostering collaboration, saying, “Hub Agro-dealers play a vital role in connecting agricultural inputs with farmers. Maaden believes in the power of collaboration, and events like HAYA help strengthen these partnerships for the benefit of African agriculture.”
Hilary Dickson Pato, Country Manager OCP Tanzania, underlined OCP’s commitment to African agriculture, saying, “OCP is dedicated to supporting sustainable agriculture across the continent. HAYA aligns with our mission, and we are thrilled to be part of this initiative.”
The event also featured a distinguished judging panel which included Dr. John Mukuka, CEO, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Dr. Innocent Okuku, Vice President, West African Fertilizer Association (WAFA), Tshepo Chriswell Maeko, Principal Specialist, PD & Agronomy Phosphate BU Marketing and Sales, Maaden, Joshua Ariga, Senior Program Officer, BMGF, Hilary Dickson Pato, Country Manager, OCP Tanzania, and Jason Scarpone, Chief Sustainability Officer, IRM/ These esteemed panelists played a crucial role in selecting the Hub Agro-dealer of the Year from the three regional winners.
The pinnacle of the event was the announcement of the HAYA winner, Hassan Kato Kwittegera of KAMM Farmer Services in Uganda. Hassan’s dedication and exceptional contribution to the agricultural sector earned him this prestigious award.
Hassan Kato Kwittegera expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive the Hub Agro-dealer of the Year Award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team at KAMM Farmer Services. We are committed to continuing our efforts to uplift African agriculture.”
The HAYA event was a resounding success, further highlighting the critical role of Hub Agro-dealers in shaping the future of African agriculture. AFAP and its partners look forward to continuing their support for these Agri-SMEs and celebrating excellence in the agribusiness sector.
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