Why FIAM ?

Self-sufficiency and food security are today’s strategic priorities. Ensuring sufficient and accessible food production is essential for balanced and sustainable social and economic development. At the global level, it is essential to strengthen collaboration to address the challenges of climate, economic, and geopolitical disruptions that threaten global food stability. However, there is an untapped potential for collaboration and exchange between the United States of America and African countries in the field of agribusiness. It is in this context that the Midwest Africa-USA International Agribusiness Fair (MIAF) was conceived as an innovative platform aimed at optimizing economic and scientific opportunities between African countries and agribusinesses in the American Midwest. The International Agribusiness Fair of the Midwest (IFAM) is an exchange and collaboration initiative created by the International Agribusiness Fair of the Midwest Corporation, a legal entity under American law in the State of Nebraska.

The choice of Nebraska as the host venue for this event is strategic. This state is recognized for its vast agricultural resources and expertise in the field, being one of the largest

producers in the country. Its central location in the American Midwest offers privileged access to technological advances and innovations in agribusiness, making this region a major hub of cutting-edge agricultural companies.

FIAM positions itself as a major catalyst for agribusiness development between African states and the American Midwest, to the benefit of all stakeholders involved.

Strategic Objectives

The strategic objectives of the International Agribusiness Fair of the Midwest USA-AFRICA (FIAM) focus on the following key points:

  • Promoting Dynamic and Diversified Bilateral Trade: Foster exchanges, negotiations, and partnerships between agribusinesses in both regions.
  • Showcasing Expertise and Innovations: Highlight agricultural expertise, innovations, and best practices from both sides to encourage mutual learning and the adoption of sustainable techniques.
  • Facilitating Market Access: Provide African businesses with privileged access to Midwest markets and vice versa within a harmonized regulatory framework.
  • Attracting Investments and Funding: Secure the resources needed to develop ambitious agricultural projects in both Africa and the United States.
  • Encouraging Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: Enhance productivity and competitiveness by transferring technology and strengthening the capacities of stakeholders.
  • Creating a Business Ecosystem: Establish a vibrant environment for business exchanges and strategic collaborations through a rich program of networking opportunities.
  • Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Promote innovative environmental management and climate resilience initiatives.
  • Supporting Policy Dialogue and Regulatory Harmonization: Contribute to reducing trade barriers and facilitating investment.
  • Providing Advanced Market Intelligence: Equip stakeholders with cutting-edge data to inform strategic decision-making.

Expected Outcomes

The inaugural edition of the FIAM will be focused on research and education in the agricultural sector. The main participants include entrepreneurs, academia, international organizations, and public policymakers. The expected outcomes for each category are as follows:

Entrepreneurs

  • Access to the latest technological innovations in agriculture to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
  • Opportunities to partner with researchers to develop or adapt technologies for specific needs.
  • New markets and business opportunities based on scientific advancements.

Researchers and Students

  • A platform to present research to an international and diverse audience.
  • Opportunities for international collaborations and funding for joint research projects.
  • Unique networking opportunities with established researchers and professionals.
  • Exposure to internships or exchange programs with participating universities or companies.
  • Inspiration for personal research projects or future careers in agribusiness.

International Organizations

  • Enhanced understanding of global agricultural challenges and opportunities.
  • Identification of potential projects for support or funding.
  • Discovery of new partnership opportunities with research institutions and businesses for agricultural development initiatives.
  • A platform to promote programs and initiatives related to agriculture and food security.

Public Policymakers

  • Access to the latest scientific advancements to inform agricultural policies.
  • Highlighting international collaboration opportunities for agricultural development projects.
  • Better understanding of the agricultural sector’s needs in terms of research and innovation.
  • Promotion of their country or region as a destination for investments in agribusiness and agricultural research.