Global Bioeconomy Summit 2024

The official opening speeches of the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2024 were courtesy of the following: Man Nilson the Executive Director at Stockholm Environment Institute. DR. Abdou Tenkouane the Director General of International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. Hon Bettina Watzinger the Federal Minister of Education and Research in Germany. Professor Christine Lang who is co-chair of International Advisory Council for Bioeconomy in Germany. Andrew Karanja who is the CS for Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. H.E Swedish Ambassador to Kenya Caroline Vicini. 

The private sector and academia are very instrumental in climate change strategies. Bioeconomy supports food transformation which is then aligned with East Africa vision 2050 and UN sustainable development goals 2030. Collaboration with other countries and continents is one major outcome expected from such a summit. More than 50 countries are hosted in this summit and this is already a staring point for collaborations. Industry partnerships as a collective effort also becomes an end result. 

Agriculture contributes to 23 to 35% of GDP in most African countries, leading to food security. Bioeconomy is the pathway to a new green future for the agricultural sector. But in order for it to be effective there should be a collective effort by Government, private sector and civil society. 

Food System Transformation is it a possibility or a pipe dream? Based on the following realities, it is debatable. 

2.4 billion people are moderately or severely food insecure. 

3 billion people can't afford a healthy meal.

35% of green house emissions come from the food system and the 3rd largest greenhouse gas producer. 

Food waste. Post harvest losses contribute a lot to food being wasted. If we can reduce it, it will increase food security. 

2015 to 2024 is a lost decade based on COVID 19 pandemic, migration and social unrest in several countries. 

Unfavorable trade and investment relations.