As 2SCALE marks its 12th anniversary, the program continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and inclusive innovation in African agribusiness. This was highlighted at the recent Food Soldiers: Promoting Inclusive Agribusiness with 2SCALE symposium, which celebrated the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to improving food security.
Held in The Hague, Netherlands, on October 10, 2024, the symposium gathered agribusiness professionals, donor agencies, and development partners to showcase the profound impact of 2SCALE’s work in promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices across thirteen African countries.
12 Years of 2SCALE: A Legacy of Impact
Over the past twelve years, 2SCALE has made remarkable strides in bridging gaps within Africa's agricultural value chains. By connecting smallholder farmers, private sector partners, and local entrepreneurs, the 2SCALE Agribusiness Cluster (ABC) approach has cultivated robust, inclusive food systems across thirteen countries in Africa. This inclusive approach has not only strengthened local food production but has also ensured that the benefits of agricultural development are shared equitably across communities. Since its inception, 2SCALE has empowered countless smallholder farmers by facilitating access to resources, capacity-building, and market connections, significantly improving incomes and livelihoods, especially for those at the Base-of-the-Pyramid.
The program’s successes are a testament to its innovative public-private partnership (PPP) model. Over the years, 2SCALE has developed over 70 inclusive agribusiness partnerships, reaching more than 750,000 smallholder farmers and creating business opportunities for 3,000 local SMEs in Africa. These partnerships have catalysed progress in numerous agricultural value chains, providing sustainable and inclusive solutions to longstanding food security challenges across Africa.
Inspiring Speeches and Messages of Support
Kicking off the event, Marina Diboma, Program Director at 2SCALE, welcomed attendees with an inspiring message of hope and shared purpose.
declared the Director who beckoned on all to rally around 2SCALE’s mission to make food security a reality for all. Henk Van Duijn, CEO of IFDC, reinforced this vision by highlighting the pivotal role of the private sector in driving economic progress, laying a foundation for understanding how 2SCALE unites local entrepreneurs, farmers, and businesses to tackle Africa’s most pressing agricultural challenges. Their words set the tone for a day rich in collaboration, learning, and storytelling.
Representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs also shared their support, with Wampie Libon, Director of the Inclusive Green Growth (IGG) Department, stressing that while public-private partnerships face challenges, they are key to achieving sustainable food systems. Hugo Verkuijl, Senior Policy Advisor for Food and Nutrition Security at IGG, praised 2SCALE for fostering collaborations that drive resilience across agricultural sectors.
The Documentary "Food Soldiers": A Visual Journey Through 2SCALE's Impact
A special highlight of the day was the premiere of the documentary Food Soldiers, which follows Nigerian filmmaker Benson on his journey across Africa, exploring the ways that 2SCALE’s Agribusiness Cluster (ABC) model is empowering farmers, uplifting communities, and tackling food insecurity. Through interviews and field visits, Benson captures how public-private partnerships (PPPs) bring together smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, enabling them to scale up and strengthen their market presence.