NABC at VIV MEA 2021
As part of close cooperation with VIV Worldwide, the NABC headed to Abu Dhabi for the long-awaited VIV MEA 2021 trade show that took place from the 23rd to the 25th of November.
The 3rd edition of the VIV MEA was a much-needed re-boot for the animal husbandry industry – a re-boot that could only be achieved by doing business face-to-face after these unprecedented times. The international trade show from feed to food for the Middle East and Africa took place from the 23rd to the 25th of November 2021 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, located in the vibrant business district of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The trade show welcomed over 6,600 attendees from 51 countries of which 66% of visitors returned to the exhibition halls for consecutive days. Speaking of exhibition halls, VIV MEA welcomed 500 company booths, including the NABC’s.
Throughout the three days of VIV MEA 2021, the NABC had the pleasure to speak to numerous valuable guests and potential partners all while representing the Dutch Africa Poultry Platform (DAPP). DAPP, a membership-based platform, brings together Dutch companies active in Africa’s poultry sector and jointly contribute to the sustainable growth and development of Africa’s poultry sector in partnership with both the public and private sectors across the continent. DAPP members are market leaders and represent the whole value chain; half of which were present at the trade show with their respective booths.
Africa Highlights Seminar
Apart from enjoying the sunny city surrounded by palm trees and crispy air, the NABC, in cooperation with VIV Worldwide, held an Africa Highlights Seminar on the 24th of November, as part of the Conference Programme. The Seminar welcomed high-level industry leaders, mainly the representatives of DAPP member companies, who touched upon the business opportunities within the African feed and poultry sector. In addition, the speakers shared their best practices with the audience on topics such as biosecurity and sustainable production processes. The speakers of the Africa Highlights Seminar included: Mr. Thijs Berkers, the Marketing Director at Nutreco, Mr. James Wamae, the Senior Assistant Animal Health Office at the Ministry of Agriculture of Kenya, Mr. Klaas van Aken, the Director of Business Development at Royal GD, and Mr. Eric Mooiweer, the Managing Director at I Grow Chicken. The seminar welcomed around 30 attendees and generated quite a vibrant discussion.
VIV Industry Leaders
“Through the VIL Programme, I met interesting and high-profile suppliers and we had good talks for follow-up business. It was an excellent opportunity with an excellent organisation. Can’t wait until the next event.”
– Cesar Nsengiyumva, Managing Director of Agromex Ltd.
For every trade show, the VIV Worldwide team offers a special programme to preselected Industry Leaders also known as VIV Industry Leaders (VILs). As part of the partnership between the NABC and VIV Worldwide, the NABC had the opportunity to bring a selection of 10 Industry Leaders to VIV MEA 2021. The VIL programme offered by the NABC was aimed at inspiring the participating companies thus, designed to allow for smooth knowledge exchange and network strengthening. The VILs represented five different African countries, namely: Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Together, the VILs had the opportunity to partake in NABC’s tailor-made VIL programme which included both, formal and informal elements. Some of the programme elements included but were not limited to, an introductory exhibition tour to the participating DAPP members, reserved participation at Africa Highlights Seminar, field visit to Arabian Farms, one of the most modern poultry farms in the region, as well as a special VIL Welcome Dinner and Networking Cocktail Reception. The companies that partook in the NABC VIL delegation included: Oserby Unique Ventures, The Great Farm, Kisakye Farm House, Isinya Feeds Ltd, Vetcare Africa, Detasi, Jeka Poultry Farm, and Agromex Ltd.
Dubai Expo 2021
The VIV MEA experience did not end with the closure of the last day of the trade show. The NABC had the honour to be invited by VIV Worldwide, Hub Orange, and the Consulate General in Dubai, to an informative and inspiring programme at the Dubai Expo 2021 on the 26th of November.
After quick refreshments at the Netherlands’ Pavilion, a pavilion that could be placed under the definition of ‘sustainability’, the participants were guided through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE Pavilion. Both pavilions truly showcased the power of storytelling. After the visit, the programme attendees returned to the Dutch Pavilion for a successful and informative Congress and Panel Discussion on Poultry and Innovation Technology. Some topics addressed, but not limited to, included glocal farming, sustainable food sourcing, and sustainable and profitable livestock farming for better food security. In addition, the audience had the opportunity to be inspired by new innovations such as the Floating Farm – a unique concept created using Dutch sustainable technologies and precision livestock farming. The programme offered during the Dubai Expo 2021 was truly an inspirational opportunity and a great chance to connect with interesting sector leaders.
Afterwards, the NABC team had a quick chance to visit other country pavilions such as Mauritius and Zimbabwe.
If you would like to connect with any of the Africa Highlights Seminar speakers or VIL participants, kindly contact Guna Alvika.
Upcoming VIV Shows
VIV Europe 2022 – May 31st – June 2nd in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Poultry Africa 2022 – October 5th – 6th in Kigali, Rwanda.
Resources
Learn more about VIV Worldwide.
Learn more about the Dutch Africa Poultry Platform.