The 2023 edition of Sterling’s Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) culminated in the emergence of five outstanding winners at the AgroPitch competition. The summit, sponsored by Sterling Bank, Leadway Assurance, Thrive Agric, and Noor Takaful, showcased a vibrant competition spotlighting innovative agribusiness ideas.
Green Republic Farms Limited, a youth and women-led enterprise, claimed the top position, walking away with a substantial reward of five million naira in grants and a coveted agribusiness entrepreneurship training program from the Lagos Business School. Their victory underscored the potential and prowess of dynamic agropreneurs in the agricultural landscape.
This year’s winners also included Eden-Acres Integrated Farm, Duketrah Fisheries, Kernelinc Resources Limited, and OG Capital, each recognized for their innovative contributions to the agricultural sector.
Dr. Olusola Obikanye, Group Head for Agriculture & Solid Minerals Finance at Sterling Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the summit’s success, highlighting the untapped potential for innovation within Nigeria’s agribusiness sector. He emphasized the quality of submissions and presentations as key indicators of opportunities for private sector investment to propel sectoral growth, fostering a stable and sustainable food economy while delivering value to stakeholders.
The event welcomed esteemed guests including Honorable Commissioners of Agriculture for Plateau and Ekiti states, Samson Bugama and Ebenezer Boluwade. Both officials urged agribusiness entrepreneurs to embrace risks and leverage their initiatives to transform the sector, realizing its vast potential.
Initiated by Sterling Bank and now in its sixth year, ASA serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing promising agro-innovators, aligning with the bank’s commitment to advancing agricultural excellence both within Africa and globally.
Sterling Bank’s innovative approach, epitomized by its HEART of Sterling strategy – focusing on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation – has garnered accolades in 2023. The bank has received the Most Innovative Bank of The Year by BusinessDay, recognized as the Overall Best Place To Work In Nigeria by the Great Place To Work Institute, and featured among the top 100 fastest-growing companies in Africa by the Financial Times.