This meeting took place on the 17 October 2013 at the CSIR Convention Centre. This was a thematic working group meeting focusing on Regional Market Integration. The meeting was chaired by Henri Minaar and there were representatives from the dti ( Zanele Mthethwa, bilateral and Rachel …multilateral), Rand Water (Jimmy Manyi), rep from USAID (Bill …), EU, UNDP and speakers. Henri explained that the NEPAD Business Foundation was like a chamber for private sector entities wanting to invest in Africa.
Dr Mpofu of Zimbabwe provided a report back on a pilot project that is being conducted in SADC on seed policy. SADC member states have agreed on the need to harmonise their seed policy as it poses a number of challenges in the areas of import, as well as regulations. Of the 15 countries in the region only 10 had signed the agreement and Angola was among the member countries that had not signed.
Trade in Value Chains Initiative (TGVCI) – This is an initiative that seeks to partner with Africa and Asia over the next three years. Three million pounds have been set aside to assist retailers, suppliers, government to help improve the working conditions and job opportunities of poor farmers, workers and small holders. Trade through value chains – trade is increasingly being channelled through global value chains led by large multinational companies that coordinate complex production networks with suppliers across the world to produce final goods. In Africa, an estimated 2 million small holders produce the majority of cocoa for global chocolate companies. First project that is being supported by TGVCI in South Africa is a partnership between DFID and the Waitrose Foundation which hopes to increase youth skills and employment in the horticulture value chain in South Africa.
Presentations were made on Agri Storage investments in Malawi, doing business in Malawi, an update on the Southern African Agricultural Development Partnership Platform (SAADPP). Henri reported that a steering committee had been set up to look at the governing structure of the SAADPP. A launching meeting to take place before the end of October 2013.
Terence Motuswa from NBF reported that a SAADPP forum will be set up in an electronic format, which will reduce travel time as members will be able to interact electronically through this tool that has been developed.
