From 5 to 8 August 2025, the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN), co-organised with the University of Sousse, hosted the 10th edition of the African Agribusiness Incubation and Investment Conference (AAICE) — a pan-African international event organised for the first time in North Africa.
For four days, 180 participants from 27 nationalities gathered at the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse to exchange, share and co-construct innovative solutions for agriculture and agribusiness on the continent.
It was organised by the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), African Development Bank (AfDB), World Intelligent Incubation Network (WIIN), Welthungerhilfe (WHH), and Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and was hosted by the University of Sousse & EURAXESS.
The event marks an important milestone in driving economic transformation through innovation, investment, and inclusive youth and women engagement across Africa.
It was the first time AAICE was held in Tunisia, after nine previous editions across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Held under the theme “Building Ecosystems, Transforming Markets, and Digital Solutions for Jobs and Wealth Creation: Catalyzing Agencies for Innovation in Africa,” the summit provides a high-level platform to exchange on innovative models and strategies for sustainable agricultural transformation, incubation, and entrepreneurship in Africa.
The 2025 edition was marked by the presence of decision-makers, experts and representatives of leading international organisations, including: African Union (AU), African Development Bank (AfDB),Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Euraxess Africa, World Internet of Things Innovation Network (WIIN) and Representatives of development agencies, incubators, academic institutions and the private sector.
The high level of participation gave this edition a strategic dimension, conducive to the implementation of concrete collaborations and impact projects.
The meeting touched on pertinent issues, including agri-food systems transformation, Regional Integration and Trade Opportunities (AfCFTA), digital technologies for agriculture, creating jobs and opportunities for young people, Africa-Europe Partnerships and Innovation Financing and EU funding opportunities to boost investment and research.
According to Professor Alex Ariho, the Chief Executive Officer AAIN, these discussions resulted in ambitious recommendations and roadmaps to strengthen the resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of African agri-food value chains.
“The conference called for increased support, for example, funding across the agriculture systems so that better ideas and policies can be implemented,” Professor Ariho said.
