African government have been asked to cut the talk and give more funding to the agricultural sector to make agri-business a viable economic activity, particularly for women and youth in the rural areas.

Creating the right policy environment will allow the sector to develop and thrive on the continent. Equity Bank CEO, James Mwangi pointed out that the huge potential of agri-business in the continent remains unexploited due to the disconnect between production, processing and marketing, which is hampering growth of the sector and the subsequent creation of millions of job opportunities.

Addressing participants during the G8 African Business Forum 2010 in London, Mr. Mwangi said Agriculture support 85% of all livelihoods in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. He added that in Africa 60% of the population is made up young women and men aged 15-28.

He said opportunity existed amongst African countries to increase the competitive advantage of agriculture by making agri-business the main engine of economic growth in the country.

Equity bank had entered into partnership with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and the Government of Kenya to support agriculture and boost food production in the country. The Africa Business Forum 2010 was held in London and chaired by Pascal Dozie, chairman of Diamond Bank Advisory Board and head of the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC).