TGI Group, leading conglomerate in Africa’s agricultural sector, has reiterated its commitment to sustainable agricultural development at the 16th U.S.-Africa Business Summit.
The event, attended by over 1,500 public and private sector executives from the continents, emphasised strategic collaborations for sustainable success in sectors, including agriculture.
Farouk Gumel, executive director and executive vice chair (Africa) of TGI Group, participated as a panellist during a session: ‘From Food Insecurity to Thriving Agribusinesses: The Case for U.S. Africa Strategic Agribusiness Partnership.
Emphasising TGI’s approach, Gunel highlighted the company’s involvement in the value chain, from seed to the final consumer.
“At TGI, we engage in every aspect of the value chain, from seed multiplication to the dining table. This is because we adopt a problem-solving approach to our business model,” Gumel said.
He stressed TGI’s dedication to understanding local communities and cultural nuances, ensuring shared prosperity and sustainability.
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“While we are involved in seeds, fertilisers and crop protection input, we do not engage in land ownership. We adopt a community-centric approach, recognising cultural sensitivities in rural areas.
“When partnering with communities, we provide input while they undertake cultivation. Upon harvest, they sell to us or others, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship. Even if they choose to sell to the open market, we will still get it from the local aggregator,” Gumel explained.
Discussing Nigeria’s agricultural policies, Gumel praised the country’s commitment to employment and community empowerment.
“Nigeria, often misunderstood globally, boasts the continent’s most robust agricultural policy,” he noted.
In another panel session: ‘Future of U.S.-Africa and Trade Investment: AGOA and beyond,’ Gumel called for an upgrade of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and fairness in free trade in Africa.
He said: “Since AGOA legislation was renewed almost a decade ago, the dynamics of global trade has changed. The uniqueness of no duty in exporting to U.S. no longer exist because other big players; China, India and U.A.E. have come into Africa offering same benefits if not better than what we get from AGOA. To upgrade AGOA, there is a need to see what the other players are doing to make export seamless.”
On free trade, Gumel said: ‘‘Free trade is not new in Africa. It has always existed, but what does not exist is fairness in cross-border trading. Just as E.U., we need to have an African Ideology where we look inward to produce and export with Africa.’
In addition to its advocacy, TGI Group has implemented initiatives to drive sustainable development in Africa. Notable among these is Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme, a collaboration with USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, to boost rice production.
With operations spanning 15 countries and a diverse products, TGI Group is committed to creating a positive economic, environmental, and social impact. Leveraging locally sourced raw materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the company continues to forge sustainable business partnerships aligned with the goals of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit.
