ASA 2023: Sterling Bank Commits N1bn To Agro-innovators
Sterling Bank says it is commiting one billion naira to agro-innovators at the forthcoming Agric Summit Africa, ASA, scheduled to hold on Nov. 8, in Lagos.
The Group Head of Agric and Solid Minerals, Sterling Bank, Dr Shola Obikanye, said this in a statement in Lagos.
Obikanye said that since its maiden edition in 2019, ASA had played a pivotal role in addressing critical issues within the nation’s agricultural sector.
He said the summit had consistently brought together influential figures from various sectors to discuss and explore innovative solutions for the industry’s challenges.
Obikanye said ASA 2023 would have as its theme: “Empowering Innovations: A Confluence of Capital, Vision, and Agribusiness Enterprise.”
According to him, the initiative has rightly earned its place as a cornerstone event for the agriculture sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
He explained that to commemorate its fifth anniversary, ASA had chosen to lead with the kind of innovation and change it had advocated for over the years.
“This year, the organisers of ASA will feature incubator-style investors’ deal room, which, in addition to its insightful discussions, will offer the opportunity for agribusiness entrepreneurs to promote their innovative ideas and receive the necessary funding and business support they need to scale.
“This unique addition provides a platform for promising agro-innovators to present their transformative business solutions to a panel of industry experts, with a chance to secure grants of up to N50 million and financing options totalling up to N1 billion,” he said.
Obikanya added that the driving force behind ASA AgroPitch 2023 was rooted in ASA’s commitment to financing Nigeria’s agriculture sector and fostering the change needed for advancement.
He said that by injecting substantial capital at the SME level, ASA was championing the movement to shape a sustainable agricultural future for the country.
“This initiative warmly invites all promising agropreneurs to join this noble endeavour and establish themselves as pioneers of agricultural innovation,” he said.
Obikanye said that to participate in ASA AgroPitch 2023, interested agribusiness owners could submit their applications through the ASA website at www.agricsummit.org.
“Follow the two-step application process for an opportunity to grow your agribusiness exponentially.
“Entries for applications will close on Oct. 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m,” he added.
NAN/Shakirat Sadiq
