Data and Innovation Lead at the 9th Annual Learning Event 2025
Data and Innovation Lead at the 9th Annual Learning Event 2025
The 9th Annual Learning Event (ALE 2025), hosted by Mercy Corps AgriFin in partnership with Briter, concluded today at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upperhill, Nairobi.
It brought together more than 300 participants from over 20 countries. Investors, innovators, policymakers, development partners, and agri-food entrepreneurs gathered to explore how Africa and Asia’s agri-food systems can evolve into resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystems driven by smarter investment data.
Unlocking Agri-Food Potential Through Data
Held under the theme “Data-Driven Innovations and Investments: Harnessing Intelligence to Build Sustainable, Investable Agri-Food Systems,” the one-day event unveiled early findings from the AgTech Investment and Innovation in Emerging Markets Report (H1 2025) powered by the AgBase platform.
Melaku Yirga, Vice President for Africa at Mercy Corps, reaffirmed the organization’s long-term vision. “We’re focused on meeting urgent food needs while building food systems that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready,” he said.
“Our goal is to prevent food crises, reduce the impact of climate shocks, and ensure that food systems work better for everyone, from producers to consumers.”
Shaping the Future of Agri-Investment
The forum highlighted key trends in investment, technology adoption, and inclusive models reshaping the sector. Sessions such as Bridging the Investment Gap, Harnessing Emerging Technologies, and Strengthening Ecosystems and Partnerships gave participants practical ideas for action.
According to Sieka Gatabaki, Program Director at Mercy Corps AgriFin, Africa’s agri-food systems are at a tipping point. “In 2023, USD 1.56 billion was invested in AgTech across the continent, with 60% directed toward agriculture,” he noted.
“But unless these funds are guided by sharp, localized intelligence, we risk investing in solutions that don’t deliver impact. ALE 2025 ensures that every dollar invested drives measurable change for smallholder farmers and the ecosystems around them.”
Data and Innovation Lead at the 9th Annual Learning Event 2025
Using Data to Drive Smarter Investments
From an investor’s perspective, reliable and real-time data is critical for de-risking deals and directing capital to high-impact solutions. AgBase data presented at ALE 2025 revealed innovation clusters in precision agriculture, AI-driven farm management, and climate-smart technologies. These insights are expected to influence cross-border investment flows and future policy decisions.
Dario Giuliani, Founder and Managing Director of Briter, emphasized how AgBase is transforming access to agricultural intelligence. “We’re closing one of Africa’s biggest gaps—access to reliable, comparable investment data,” he said. “By tracking where innovation happens and how capital moves, we help investors, governments, and entrepreneurs make smarter, faster decisions. This visibility will move the sector from potential to performance.”
Expanding the Impact
The event also featured an innovation marketplace and new investment commitments, expected to shape upcoming funding pipelines and agricultural policy discussions.
Looking ahead, AgriFin and Briter plan to expand AgBase to deliver deeper, real-time investment intelligence. “With the right mix of capital, technology, and inclusive policy, Africa’s agri-food sector won’t just survive—it will lead,” said Gatabaki.
