Sahara 2023 Conference: Strategy & AgriTech Insights

Deep Diving into Sahara 2023 Conference Insights: Mapping Investment Pathways in MENA

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The Sahara 2023 Conference Insights provided a granular view of the multi-billion dollar investment opportunities shaping regional agriculture. As the knowledge pillar of the 35th-edition Sahara Expo, the conference, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, was designed to translate high-level governmental policies and groundbreaking technological solutions into actionable strategies for investors and agricultural professionals.

The sessions ensured maximum value for all stakeholders by directly addressing core challenges such as water scarcity, regulatory compliance, and the adoption of AgriTech solutions. SME Consulting, as a Conference & Strategic Partner, was integral to the dialogue, ensuring that the insights generated were focused on practical, executable investment pathways.

Key Speakers and Thematic Summaries

The conference featured three days of focused discussion, with contributions from top government officials, international researchers, and industry leaders:

Day 1: Strategy, Leadership, & Investment Focus

This day concentrated on national strategies and capital flow, providing a macro-view of the sector’s future:

  • Government Efforts and Agricultural Policy: Dr. Mohamed El Kersh (Researcher, Agriculture Research Center) detailed Egypt’s National Strategy for Agricultural Development 2030, setting the policy roadmap for all future investment. This was complemented by insights from Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud El-Mansi (Agricultural Quarantine, Ministry of Agriculture) on Navigating Regulatory Frameworks for farmers and investors.

  • Agricultural Investment in the Region: This track covered successful investment models and strategic pathways. Dr. Micheal Gamal (Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce) and Mr. Bernardo Brasil (Brazilian Embassy) explored Brazil–Africa Agricultural Synergies. Omar Rezk (Managing Director, Entlaq) discussed Driving Agricultural Investment Through Data-Driven Research.

Day 2: Water, Irrigation, & Digital Revolution

The second day focused on overcoming operational challenges, with a strong emphasis on technology and sustainability:

  • Water and Irrigation Strategy: H.E. Dr. Hany Sweilan, the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, provided high-level insight into the Governmental strategy to advance irrigation systems and manage water resources efficiently. Eng. Walid Hakiki (Head of Planning Sector, Ministry of Water Resources) gave an Overview of Cairo Water Week.

  • AgriTech and AI Revolution: This session addressed the growing sub-sector of technology. A dedicated panel explored AI for Water and Agriculture Security in MENA, with experts such as Dr. Ayman Ayad and Dr. Peter Riad, focusing on precision farming and digital decision-making.

Day 3: Global Supply Chain, Food Safety, & Financial Feasibility

The final day expanded the scope to quality, supply chains, and the critical financial structuring required for investment:

  • Global Food Safety & Compliance: Dr. Mamdouh Issah (International Food Safety and Sustainable Development Expert) contributed vital knowledge on Water Safety Impacts on Human Well-being. Dr. Mohamed El Mohamady (Technical Manager, LandOLakes) discussed Good Agricultural Practices Impacts on Food Security and meeting international export standards.

  • SME Consulting’s Talk: Fertilizer Sector Investment Outlook: SME Consulting, as a Conference & Strategic Partner, concluded the formal sessions with a crucial talk on the Fertilizer Sector Investment Outlook, providing a specialized view on capital optimization and risk management in Africa. This session detailed proprietary financial models for Fertilizer Manufacturing Financial Feasibility, presenting a practical, de-risked roadmap for scaling localized production.

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The strategic guidance SME Consulting offered was a turning point for our sea port’s long-term development. Their deep understanding of trade flows, logistics corridors, and investment planning helped us reshape our port strategy with confidence.

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Board Member, Sea Port– Libya

AHDO Seminar: Food Security and Sustainable Development

The conference featured a vital Food Security Seminar Powered by AHDO (Arab Health and Development Corporation), which ran as a dedicated workshop on “Good Agricultural Practices and Sustainable Development.” This deep-dive seminar offered attendees practical steps for achieving compliance with global export standards, covering topics such as:

  • GAP & Sustainable Development: Led by Dr. Mamdouh Issa (AHDO Managing Director).

  • Global GAP Effective Implementation: Presented by Dr. Mohamed Mohamady (Strategic Agribusiness Development Specialist).

  • GAP and Developing the Agricultural Exports: Featuring Dr. Lamia El-Meligui (Director, UN-HABITAT Egypt).

Young Entrepreneurs Networking Event

Recognizing the future of the sector lies with innovation, the exhibition dedicated a specific feature to fostering the next generation of agri-business leaders. The Young Entrepreneurs Networking Event aimed to tackle youth potential in agribusiness by connecting startups, investors, and seasoned industry experts. This platform facilitated discussions on Scaling, Sustainable Finance, and Venture Capital (VC & DFIs) within the AgriTech landscape, helping entrepreneurs bridge the gap between innovation and commercial viability.

Why Partner with Us?

Our deep-seated expertise allows us to effectively translate the high-level policy and regulatory insights gathered at the Sahara 2023 Conference into tangible, executable operational plans for your business.

We don’t just attend these events; we actively contribute the strategic financial models required for compliance and capital raising, turning the concepts discussed by ministers and thought leaders into detailed SOPs, financial forecasts, and resource allocation models, guaranteeing your investment strategy is future-proof and compliant.

Schedule a complimentary alignment review with our strategy consultants

Are your current investment plans aligned with Egypt’s 2030 agricultural vision and the latest regulatory frameworks?

We will help you identify the gaps and opportunities based on the key conference takeaways and develop a compliant, high-growth plan.

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