For information only - not an official document

UNIS/OUS/013
1 March 2010

Reissued as received

High-level Conference in Abuja to Promote
Agribusiness and Agro-industries in Africa

VIENNA, 1 March (UN Information Service) - Ways to boost the development of agribusiness and agro-industries in Africa will be the focus of a high-level conference hosted by the Government of Nigeria in Abuja from 8 to 10 March.

Participants will discuss strategies for the promotion of sustainable and inclusive agribusiness and agro-industries development on the continent, and are expected to endorse the African Agribusiness and Agro-industries Development Initiative (3ADI). The 3ADI comprises a programme framework and associated financial modalities through which the public and private sectors can mobilize resources for investment in agri-food sector development in Africa.

The event will bring together Government officials from some 40 African countries, as well as senior policy makers and representatives of financial institutions.

The Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, will deliver a speech at the event on 10 March.

The Conference will also be attended by the heads or representatives of international organizations, including the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping; the Executive Secretary of UN Economic Commission for Africa, Abdoulie Janneh; the Vice President of the African Development Bank, Kamal El Kheshen; the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Kanayo F. Nwanze; and the Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, Modibo Traore; and the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Kandeh K. Yumkella.

Journalists are invited to the opening session at 9:00 hours, on Monday, 8 March, at the Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

A news conference will be held at 12:30 hours, on Wednesday, 10 March, at the Media Centre, Hilton Hotel.

Conference website www.hlcd-3a.org

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For further information, please contact:

Mikhail Evstafyev
UNIDO Advocacy and media specialist
Mobile: (+43-650) 391-5278
Email: m.evstafyev@unido.org

Henry Angulu
Nigerian National Organizing Committee - Chairman, Communication Sub-committee
Email: henryangulu@gmail.com

George Chukwu
Nigerian National Organizing Committee - Communication Sub-committee
Telephone: (+234-802) 311-8166 or (+234-803) 391-1211
Email: jojichuks@yahoo.com

Rabe Mani
FAO Nigeria
Telephone: (+234-9) 461-6154
Email: rabe.mani@fao.org

Erwin Northoff
FAO Media Relations
Telephone: (+39-06) 5705-3105
Email: Erwin.northoff@fao.org

Yinka Adeyemi
UNECA Communication Officer
Telephone (Addis Ababa): (+251-11) 544-3537
Telephone (Lagos): (+234-808) 601-9628
Email: yadeyemi@uneca.org