Middle East Africa’s annual food imports are estimated to rise from $85bn to $170bn by 2025, according to a statement credited to the African Development Bank.
A statement by Fairtrade Messe to announce the ‘Virtual for all Middle East Africa 2021’ conference billed to hold later this year, noted that AfDB made the disclosure while focusing on investment in agrofood and plastprintpack in the MEA ahead of the event.
To diversify Africa’s economy and revive its rural areas, the AfDB has reportedly committed $24bn towards agricultural industrialisation.
“Imports of food processing and packaging technology account for €4.683bn in 2019,” it stated.
The conference will focus on agricultural production, food and beverage technology, condiments, food trade, as well as plastic, printing and packaging materials, raw materials and technology, Fairtrade added.
