The Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) had the distinct honor of hosting Ms. Barbara Barungi Managing Partner and Founder of Imara Africa Consulting, and the first female Chairperson of Access Bank Kenya, who was accompanied by Mr Christopher, Management Consultant of Almat Farms Kuje, Abuja.

With an illustrious 30-year career spanning academia, development policy, and international civil service, Ms. Barungi has held key positions in leading global institutions. She previously served as Lead Economist at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in Nigeria, Tunisia, and the Fragile States Department. Her extensive experience also includes serving as an Economist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and holding strategic advisory roles, such as Strategic and Regional Programme Adviser at UNDP’s Bureau for Africa in New York and the UNDP Regional Service Centre in South Africa. Additionally, she has served as Social Sector Advisor to the Minister of Finance in Rwanda and lectured in Development Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, as well as in Monetary Economics at Makerere University, Uganda.

During a roundtable discussion with APDC’s management and staff, chaired by Managing Director Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, Ms. Barungi and Mr Chris received a presentation on APDC’s agribusiness and creative arts model, delivered by the Centre’s Director of Programmes, Policy, and Partnerships, Mr. Maaruf Yakub. The ensuing discussions explored potential collaborations in horticulture farming, partnerships with national financial institutions to enhance access to funding, and other strategic initiatives aimed at advancing agricultural practices and driving sustainable development across the continent.

Following the session, they were given a comprehensive tour of APDC’s urban farming demonstration farms, a customary experience for esteemed guests, and Ms Barungi expressed her appreciation for the insights gained, signalling promising prospects for future collaboration.

APDC remains optimistic about forging a strong partnership with Ms. Barungi and Imara Africa Consulting to advance sustainable agricultural solutions, enhance resource accessibility, and create enduring economic opportunities that empower women and youth throughout Africa.

Stay tuned for more updates on this budding partnership.

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