Agribusinesses from East Africa can leverage technological scaling and market modernisation opportunity as the 47th edition of EIMA International gears up to return in Bologna from 10-14 November 

East Africa's export-driven agricultural sector will especially benefit from the event as it will expand the region's reach to Italy. 

The market opportunity: Untapped potential

Digital integration remains the need of the hour to effectively commercialise Ethiopia's vast agricultural potential, which is the region's backbone.

The country is blessed with a diverse climate suitable for everything from cereals and pulses to oilseeds, the country has already established itself as the world’s third-largest producer of Arabica coffee.

Despite this, agribusinesses face persistent operational bottlenecks like low mechanisation levels: Limited access to modern tools hinders large-scale productivity. There are infrastructure gaps with growth frequently stalled by insufficient irrigation and a lack of transport and storage infrastructure. There is a need for digital integration with a critical requirement for training technical staff to operate digital systems and next-generation machinery.

Strategic solutions and know-how transfer

The partnership with Italian industry is designed to go beyond simple equipment sales; it focuses on supply chain efficiency and the transfer of technical know-how.

Italian manufacturers are positioning themselves to offer advanced, sustainable technologies that can optimise production and improve the quality of agri-food supply chains.

For Ethiopian operators, the EIMA International exhibition in Bologna (November 10–14) serves as a vital procurement and networking platform. The scale of the event provides an unprecedented look at the global market with 1,800+ manufacturers offering more than 60,000 models of machinery. 14 product sectors are organised into seven thematic showcases to help businesses find specific technological solutions. Ensuring tailored technology, exhibitions are designed to match the specific production needs of the Ethiopian primary and gardening sectors.

Facilitating B2B growth

To ensure these technological advancements translate into commercial reality, an official delegation of Ethiopian business representatives will attend the Bologna event, organised by ICE and FederUnacoma.

This delegation will participate in structured business-to-business (B2B) meetings designed to match Ethiopian operators with the specific technologies prioritized for the country’s development.

As Claudio Pasqualucci, director of the ICE office in Addis Ababa, noted, EIMA International represents an "ideal platform for fostering new commercial and industrial relationships" that can increase productivity and efficiency across the entire supply chain.

For agribusinesses looking to modernise, this partnership offers a clear pathway to high-calibre industrial cooperation.

Nigeria’s livestock sector is gaining fresh attention as a new development framework promises to open up opportunities across the industry.

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Akajiugo Emeka Obegolu, has shared an optimistic outlook, stating that the initiative could create up to 350,000 jobs within its first two years.

According to Obegolu, the framework is designed to attract investment and support growth across the entire livestock value chain. Central to this effort is the planned Livestock Development Fund, which aims to make financing more accessible for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders. With better access to funding, businesses in the sector are expected to expand and improve their operations.

He also praised the current administration for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a timely and strategic move. This step, he explained, gives the sector the focused attention it needs to reach its full potential. Rather than taking direct control, the government is encouraged to create supportive policies and regulations that allow private investors to play a leading role.

The scale of opportunity within the livestock industry is significant. Obegolu noted that the sector could be worth around 33 trillion naira, covering areas such as meat production, dairy, leather, and poultry. With proper planning and investment, these segments can contribute strongly to economic growth.

He highlighted the importance of improving key areas such as feed systems, animal breeding, and veterinary services. Advancing techniques like artificial insemination and better genetics can help increase productivity and efficiency across farms.

Another major focus is the need to modernise how meat is processed and transported. Moving away from the traditional practice of transporting live animals over long distances, he suggested a system that relies on processed meat and cold chain logistics. This approach would reduce losses, maintain quality, and improve overall efficiency.

With growing collaboration between the government and private sector, the livestock industry is steadily moving towards a more structured and sustainable future. The proposed framework is expected to support job creation, improve food supply, and strengthen Nigeria’s wider economy.

Uganda’s presence at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo has moved beyond simple visibility.

What once drew curiosity is now drawing scrutiny, as international buyers begin to assess whether the country is ready for premium markets. Uganda’s coffee is no longer just being tasted, it is being judged on its ability to meet higher expectations.

Australia stands as one of the most disciplined coffee markets in the world, where quality is carefully measured and consistency is expected every time. For years, Uganda’s coffee has quietly played a role here, mainly through blends where its Robusta adds body and balance. Yet this contribution has often gone unnoticed.

That is beginning to change. Feedback from cupping sessions at the expo points to a shift in how Uganda’s coffee is perceived. Buyers are recognising its depth and improving quality, while showing growing interest in traceable sourcing, distinct origins, and reliable espresso performance. Uganda appears well placed to respond, but simply being ready is no longer enough. It must now prove it can deliver.

High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Hyuha Samali, has made it clear that Uganda is stepping forward not only to be recognised, but to be trusted. This signals a deeper level of commitment, where honesty and consistency will define long term success in a market that values credibility above all else.

A key moment came through the presentation by Gordon Katwirenabo, which helped shape a clearer understanding of Uganda’s progress. It highlighted improvements in quality control, post harvest handling, and value addition, while also acknowledging areas that still need attention.

Compared with giants like Brazil and Vietnam, Uganda offers a different story. It combines strong production with a value chain that is still developing. This creates opportunity, but also pressure to build systems quickly and effectively.

Uganda now stands at a turning point. Interest is growing and perceptions are improving, but the real test lies in execution. In global coffee markets, attention may open doors, but only consistent delivery will keep them open.

Water scarcity and wastewater management have long been pressing concerns across South Africa, and Xylem, a globally recognised water technology company, has just made things a great deal more manageable.

The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, marking a significant step forward in accessible, practical wastewater treatment for the region.

The launch drew attention from a wide range of industries that deal with the daily challenge of treating and recycling water responsibly. Mining operations, municipalities, agricultural businesses, aquaculture farms, food and beverage producers, paper and pulp mills, chemical manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies are all in the frame as potential beneficiaries of this technology. It is a broad reach, and deliberately so.

At its core, DAF is a pre-treatment and solids-separation system designed to slot into existing wastewater management frameworks. It works as a standalone unit or as part of a larger treatment process, sitting alongside biological treatment, filtration, and water reuse systems to help facilities meet compliance targets and achieve their recycling goals. What makes it particularly attractive is its compact, modular build, which means it can be installed even in tight or congested spaces where traditional systems simply would not fit. Rental options are also on the table, making it viable for smaller operations or those with seasonal demands.

The science behind DAF is clever but straightforward. Xylem's systems use Hellbender pumps to generate microscopic air bubbles that, after the water undergoes coagulation and flocculation, latch onto suspended particles and drag them to the surface where they can be skimmed off. The result is water that is significantly cleaner, with total suspended solids, fats, oils, greases, and biochemical oxygen demand all reduced efficiently.

Three models are available, the RT-50, RT-100, and RT-240, catering for flow rates ranging from 100 to 1,000 GPM. Each unit is built from durable stainless steel, comes with an integrated flocculation tube, and includes a pre-wired control panel that makes setup relatively straightforward.

Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem WSS (AMETI), was candid about what this launch means for local customers. "We are very excited to bring cutting-edge DAF solutions to our local customers. Xylem has introduced our DAF solutions to several other markets, where they have become a big hit among companies of various sizes. They appreciate the logistical benefits of DAF's compact designs and convenient deployment, supported by our expert technicians. South African organisations in the private and public sectors can now also leverage DAF to expand their choices for water treatment and recycling."

The support offering goes well beyond simply supplying equipment. "Xylem's expert staff and our experienced partners customise each solution as required. We deliver and manage components such as mixer tanks, weir tanks, pumps, and conveyors, as well as catwalks and accessories. Our skilled technicians can support on-site staff or run the process on behalf of our customers," added Mistry.

For too long, fully industrialised water treatment felt out of reach for many South African organisations, put off by the cost and operational complexity involved. Xylem's DAF range changes that conversation considerably, offering a flexible, scalable entry point into serious water management without demanding enormous upfront commitment. Whether a business is running a pilot programme or upgrading an established treatment system, there is a configuration to suit the need.

The launch plants Xylem firmly on the map as a hands-on, solutions-driven partner for industries and municipalities that are serious about using water wisely.