Session brief: Efficient supply logistics, processing intra-logistics and distribution logistics are essential to operate successfully in the food market with high competition and limited margins. With a general assumption that farm production in Nigeria is not streamlined to markets, and the transport & energy infrastructure is in development, the agribusiness sector operates with high transaction costs, limited operation capital and the need to provide own off-grid power. To overcome these challenges, aggregators and processors use different model to smooth the commodity supply, control risks and generate capitalization on the Nigerian and Inter-African market. These strategies underscore the relevance of the panel session as an important component of the Nigerian AgroFood-PlastPrintPack conference.

Session objectives: This panel session will provide insights in best practices, innovative solutions and market incentives to secure material and cash flows in: I. In-house, contracted, and open procurement models for raw material supply. II. Balancing capital needs, efficiency, employment effects, and flexibility (season & partners) III. Strategic partnerships for sourcing and processing of regional complementary commodities, that boost regional production, resilience, risk management and cash flow through improved crop cycles, IV. Feed-back from processing and product characteristics (food industry) to the production level (farms and aggregators) for QM (quality management). V. Differences for domestic and export markets

Session format: I. Introduction: Panelists will be introduced and given 3 minutes each to share their thoughts on the theme. II. Moderated panel discussion: This is a 40-minute conversation between panelists and moderators, drawing on panelists' knowledge and experience on Supply Chain Management & Finance. III. The panelists will be asked various questions and given time to answer and discuss. IV. Audience participation: The moderator will guide questions and comments for 10 minutes. V. Wrap up and highlight critical takeaways — 10 minutes