How can digital technology support the agricultural sector in Africa?
Africa is predominantly rural and agricultural. Digital technology is a recognized driver of productivity increases across all economic sectors. In agriculture, it can improve the entire value chain, from production to the plate. The challenge today is that young people often perceive agriculture as an outdated sector. We therefore work on awareness and cultural orientation: making young people and agricultural stakeholders understand that technology can make their work more productive and attractive. For example, we offer agricultural entrepreneurs in the AGM Network opportunities to acquire digital skills that allow them to optimize their production and enhance their products.
Why is agri‑tech not progressing as quickly as fintech, for example, in Africa?
There is a dual gap: on the one hand, farmers who are unfamiliar with technology, and on the other, tech‑savvy youth who are not familiar with agricultural professions. Fintech speaks to everyone; it is universal, whether in rural or urban areas, in Europe or in Africa, and regardless of purchasing power. In contrast, agri‑tech combines “agri” and “tech”: we have a farming population that is not familiar with technology and a so‑called tech or “geek” population that is not familiar with agriculture. This creates divides. Our role is to build bridges through strategic partnerships and acculturation programs. We work with AGM to train agricultural actors in the practical use of digital tools to improve their productivity.
How can digital technology also address the challenges of women’s agricultural entrepreneurship?
Women are at the heart of African agriculture, but they often lack access to information, financing and digital tools. Digital technology can offer them a powerful lever in terms of acculturation, personalized support, and productivity optimization. We offer women in agriculture the opportunity to earn the 10,000 Codeurs Digital Passport certification, which combines awareness of digital usage, understanding of digital‑related professions, and demystification of technologies such as artificial intelligence or blockchain. We then support them individually to apply these skills to self‑marketing, product promotion and productivity improvement.
This is the partnership initiated with AGM: What type of concrete support are you offering to women in agriculture?
There are two main components. The first is acculturation: upon completion of this program, participants will be able to talk about digital technology more comfortably and understand how to use it to improve their activity. The second is individualized support, which includes self‑marketing and business optimization through digital tools and artificial intelligence. They learn to create an online presence, produce attractive content to showcase their products, and increase their visibility with investors and partners.
Ultimately, what actions must be taken, and by whom, for digital technology to become a true driver of agricultural development in Africa?
This is a public service mission. Public authorities must understand that massive awareness‑raising among women in agriculture increases productivity and contributes to national GDP. But one cannot rely solely on governments: communities must be created where young people, adults in career transition, rural and urban stakeholders can acquire digital skills and apply them locally. The impact occurs on three levels: individually, each participant obtains certification and understands how to use digital technology; territorially, digital technology helps energize rural areas and retain local talent; and nationally, it contributes to sovereignty and resilience. By combining training, support and technology, it is possible to transform African agriculture, empower women, and attract young people to this sector with great potential.