Shamba Box at A4IP Flagship Event 2024: Navigating Agrifood-Tech Innovation and Multilateralism

On October 15, 2024, Seth Charles Mkisi, Managing Director of Shamba Box, had the honor of representing the organization at the A4IP Flagship Event 2024 in Rome, Italy. The event, titled “Navigating Risk and Reward in Agrifood-Tech Innovation: The Power of Multilateralism,” convened global leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss how international cooperation can address the world’s food system challenges through technology and innovation.

Seth was invited as a panelist to contribute Shamba Box’s experience in advancing agrifood innovation in Tanzania. The event was a platform to share and learn from global perspectives on the role of multilateralism in de-risking innovation, especially in regions where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy.

Setting the Stage for Innovation
The event opened at the CGIAR offices in Rome, with an emphasis on integrating science, technology, and innovation into global food systems. Speakers, including Juan Lucas Restrepo from the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT and Hany Ayaad from Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education, emphasized the need for multilateral partnerships to unlock investments in agrifood technology.

Seth was particularly struck by the discussions around the importance of bridging the innovation gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These regions often face challenges such as limited access to technology, which hinders the development of sustainable agrifood systems. The event offered insights into how international collaboration can accelerate the adoption of new technologies in these contexts.

The Challenges and Opportunities in Agrifood-Tech
Throughout the day, panelists explored the potential of emerging agrifood-tech solutions, from AI-powered platforms to cutting-edge biotechnology. However, they also acknowledged the significant challenges these innovations face, especially in terms of scalability and accessibility.

Seth noted how these themes align with the work Shamba Box does in Tanzania. While agrifood technologies hold great promise, the realities on the ground — such as financial constraints and traditional practices among smallholder farmers — pose significant barriers to widespread adoption. The conversation underscored the importance of context-specific approaches to innovation in agriculture.

Shamba Box’s Perspective: The Power of Multilateral Partnerships
During Panel Discussion 2 — Multilateral Pathways to Foster Agrifood Technology Transfer, Seth shared Shamba Box’s approach to supporting agrifood innovation in Tanzania. He emphasized the importance of regional innovation hubs, such as the MTI Hub in Dar es Salaam, which Shamba Box manages. These hubs are vital in providing agripreneurs with access to training, mentorship, and market linkages — fostering an environment where technology transfer can thrive.

Seth highlighted that the success of agritech startups often depends on collaborative efforts. He discussed Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that Shamba Box has been part of, which have helped scale solutions in areas such as market access, post-harvest management, and climate-smart agriculture.

Seth also pointed out that collaborative funding models are crucial in de-risking agrifood-tech innovation. In Tanzania, Shamba Box has seen firsthand how partnerships between government bodies, private investors, and development agencies can unlock resources for small and medium agribusinesses.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Shamba Box?
The A4IP Flagship Event reinforced Shamba Box’s commitment to leveraging multilateral partnerships to drive innovation in Tanzania’s agrifood sector. Seth is particularly excited about expanding Shamba Box’s projects in climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, areas that are increasingly vital to Tanzania’s future.

As Shamba Box continues to support agripreneurs and smallholder farmers, Seth sees immense potential in strengthening global collaboration to bring cutting-edge technologies to Tanzania. Through its innovation hubs and continued partnerships, Shamba Box is positioned to play a critical role in transforming agrifood systems for a more sustainable future.

Final Thoughts
The A4IP Flagship Event 2024 showcased the power of multilateral cooperation in tackling agrifood challenges globally. Seth left the event with renewed determination to ensure Shamba Box continues to be at the forefront of agrifood-tech innovation in Tanzania.

As Shamba Box pushes forward, Seth believes that by working together — across borders and sectors — lasting solutions can be created that benefit farmers, communities, and the world at large.

Stay connected for more updates from Shamba Box as we continue to transform Tanzania’s food systems!