By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Agro-innovators in Nigeria have a chance to secure grants of up to N50 million and financing options totalling up to N1 billion at the Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) set for November 8, 2023, in Lagos.
The money would be given to successful agribusiness owners who applied for the ASA AgroPitch 2023. Entries for the competition will close on October 30, 2023, at 11:59 pm, according to a statement from the lender.
The summit organised by Sterling Bank is known for its significant contributions to the agriculture sector. It enters its 5th edition this year, and it is themed Empowering Innovations: A Confluence of Capital, Vision, and Agribusiness Enterprise.
“This year the organisers of the ASA will feature an incubator-style investors’ deal room, which, in addition to its insightful discussions, will offer the opportunity for agribusiness entrepreneurs to promote their innovative ideas and receive the necessary funding and business support they need to scale,” the Group Head of Agric and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank Limited, Mr Shola Obikanye, said.
He disclosed that since its maiden edition in 2019, ASA has played a pivotal role in addressing critical issues within Nigeria’s agriculture sector, noting that it has consistently brought together influential figures from various sectors to discuss and explore innovative solutions for the industry’s challenges.
According to him, the initiative has rightly earned its place as a cornerstone event for the agriculture sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
It was stated that the driving force behind ASA AgroPitch 2023 is rooted in ASA’s commitment to financing Nigeria’s agriculture sector and fostering the change needed for advancement.
By injecting substantial capital at the SME level, ASA is championing the movement to shape a sustainable agricultural future for Nigeria.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Dipo Olowookere