In the vibrant metropolis of Berlin, known as a hub for innovation and international encounters, the International Green Week 2024 reopened its doors after an almost three-year pandemic-induced hiatus. From January 20th to 29th, the global agricultural and food industry gathered to showcase the latest trends and developments. A particularly noteworthy visitor this year is Kingsley K. Ekwueme, the Operations Manager of GrowExpress Ltd. from Nigeria, whose journey to Berlin represents not only a physical but also a metaphorical crossing of borders.
A Debut on European Soil
For Ekwueme, stepping foot in Europe for the first time represents more than just a business trip; it’s a cultural exchange and an opportunity to share the stories and successes of African agriculture on the international stage. With a background deeply rooted in the fertile soils of Nigeria, he brings a perspective rich in traditional knowledge and innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture.
A Melting Pot of Cultures: The Community Stand
Nestled within the „World Tour“ theme of the Green Week, booth 107 in Hall 10.2 showcased young companies from Africa under the patronage of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), presenting their products. This platform is not only a showcase for culinary delights and innovative products like edible tableware and organic chili sauces but also a testament to the commitment and entrepreneurial spirit of the African community.
GrowExpress Ltd.: Pioneering a Green Future
GrowExpress Ltd. exemplifies the transformation of African agriculture from subsistence-oriented to commercial, environmentally friendly economy. With a model based on collaboration with smallholder farmers, GrowExpress has created a network that enables efficient and sustainable production through training and the use of state-of-the-art technologies. Their goal to expand cultivation areas to several thousand hectares while using locally adapted seeds is a bold endeavor that improves farmers‘ livelihoods and contributes to global food security.
The Harvest of Success: Sustainability and Efficiency
GrowExpress’s achievements in agriculture are impressive. By transitioning from monocultures to specialized crop rotations and implementing modern storage methods, the company has increased yields from 1 to up to 10 tons per hectare while reducing post-harvest losses from 40 percent to under 5 percent. These figures speak volumes about the potential of modern African agriculture and the role that companies like GrowExpress play in realizing this potential.
A Glimpse into the Future: Africa on the Global Stage
With a population of 1.3 billion people and the creation of the world’s largest free trade area through the AfCFTA, Africa is on the verge of a new era of economic independence and prosperity. Companies like GrowExpress are paving the way for this development by protecting local resources, introducing sustainable production methods, and positioning African products on the world market.
Kingsley K. Ekwueme’s visit to the International Green Week in Berlin symbolizes a turning point – not only for him personally but also for African agriculture as a whole. His story is a living example of how innovation, commitment, and international cooperation can work together to create sustainable solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Ekwueme and GrowExpress Ltd. are at the forefront of this movement, shaping the future of agriculture in Africa and beyond.
