A Public-Private Dialogue on Agribusiness Financing

On April 1st, 2025, stakeholders from the agribusiness and financial sectors converged at Siaya County Club for a high-level dialogue on "Unlocking Financing for Agribusiness and Agriculture-led Industrialization." Organized under the GIZ Agri Jobs for Youth initiative, this event brought together policymakers, financial institutions, and agribusiness leaders to discuss strategies for improving access to finance in the county’s agricultural sector.

Setting the Stage for Transformation

The forum featured key speakers, including:

• K’Okoth Sylvester – CECM for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock, and Blue Economy
• Elizabeth Adongo – Chief Officer, Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock & Blue Economy
• Frederick Omoro – Chair of Agriculture Committee, County Assembly of Siaya
• Ralf Barthelmes – Project Manager, GIZ/Agri Jobs 4 Youth Initiative

These leaders shared insights on the current financial landscape for agribusiness and the challenges hindering agricultural industrialization in Siaya.

Thematic Discussions and Panel Sessions

The dialogue focused on identifying financial gaps, exploring innovative financing models, and developing actionable policy recommendations. Two key panel sessions were held:

Session 1: The Financing Landscape for Agribusiness in Siaya County

Panelists from different agribusiness sectors shared their experiences and financing challenges, highlighting the need for tailor-made financial products for smallholder farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs.

Session 2: Unlocking Opportunities – Enhancing Access to Finance for Agribusiness Growth

This session delved into innovative financing solutions, such as guarantee mechanisms, agribusiness hubs, and partnerships between public and private sectors to strengthen financial inclusion.

Key Recommendations and Policy Commitments

At the close of the event, a list of strategic recommendations emerged, including:

1. Establishing local agribusiness funds
2. Supporting grassroots enterprises
3. Strengthening collaborations between stakeholders
4. Enhancing mentorship and coaching programs
5. Developing an agribusiness hub for Siaya
6. Creating financial guarantee mechanisms
7. Investing in capacity building and empowerment
8. Developing county data on agribusiness
9. Standardizing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for better alignment with policy goals

A Commitment to Action

In his closing remarks, CECM K’Okoth Sylvester reaffirmed the county’s commitment to implementing the policy suggestions and ensuring sustainable development in agribusiness. He emphasized the role of agribusiness in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Media Coverage and Future Outlook

The event was extensively covered by Tembea Radio, a spinoff of Tembea Futures Institute. A special feature on the discussions will be aired in the 7 PM news bulletin. Joshua Amollo from Tembea Futures Institute and Edna Osuo from Tembea Radio provided in-depth coverage and interviews with key stakeholders.

Moving forward, stakeholders are optimistic that the commitments made will translate into tangible financial solutions for agribusiness, unlocking new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and youth in Siaya County.