Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko Opens Poultry Futures Forum 2024: A Call for Regional Cooperation in Agriculture

Dar es Salaam, October 16, 2024 – The Poultry Futures Forum 2024 kicked off today in Dar es Salaam with a keynote address delivered by Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, who represented Vice President Hon. Dr. Philip Mpango. Bringing together delegates from across Africa, including representatives from Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique, and beyond, the forum serves as a critical platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within the poultry sector—an increasingly vital part of Africa’s food security strategy.

A Consultative Platform for Shared Learning
In his opening remarks, Dr. Biteko reflected on the consultative nature of the event, underscoring its importance as a forum for dialogue and mutual learning. He emphasized that beyond formally opening the forum, the real purpose was to create a space where member states could come together to share experiences, exchange ideas, and find ways to complement each other’s efforts in agriculture and food production.

“This is a consultative forum where we want to share experiences across several member states and learn from each other, where we can complement each other,” Dr. Biteko remarked. He highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing shared agricultural challenges, particularly as African nations work toward improving food production and reducing reliance on imports.

Welcoming Regional Delegates with Open Arms
In a spirit of camaraderie, Dr. Biteko extended a warm welcome to the international participants, particularly delegates from Malawi, Botswana, and Mozambique. Drawing on his previous visit to Botswana, where he represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at a forum focused on natural resources, Dr. Biteko fondly recalled the rich cultural experiences, especially Botswana’s traditional dances, and expressed his gratitude for their presence.

“To our friends from Botswana, I remember the wonderful traditional dances, and I thank you for coming. Everyone from outside Tanzania, please feel at home. This is your home,” he said, adding that he hoped delegates would explore Dar es Salaam, and if possible, visit iconic destinations such as Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Strengthening the Poultry Sector for Food Security
Dr. Biteko’s speech reinforced Tanzania’s commitment to advancing its agricultural objectives in line with the resolutions of the Dakar 2 Summit on Feed Africa: Food Sovereignty and Resilience. He pointed to the poultry sector as a key component of Tanzania’s broader strategy to enhance food security and drive economic development.

“As we gather here, it is essential to remember that agriculture, and specifically the poultry sector, plays a critical role in ensuring food sovereignty for our nation and the region. Through collaboration and innovation, we can elevate this sector to meet the growing demand for food and nutrition,” he emphasized.

Empowering Youth in Agriculture: Recognizing the Next Generation
A key highlight of the forum was the recognition of young Tanzanian farmers who have made notable contributions to the agricultural sector. Dr. Biteko presented certificates to several outstanding youth, symbolizing Tanzania’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders. He underscored the importance of youth involvement in agriculture, recognizing them as the driving force behind the sector’s future success.

“The future of agriculture lies in the hands of our youth. We must continue to support and encourage them to lead the way in innovative and sustainable agricultural practices,” Dr. Biteko stated, urging young people to embrace the opportunities available within the poultry sector and beyond.

A Pathway to Continental Agricultural Transformation
As the forum continues, Dr. Biteko concluded with a forward-looking message, stressing the need for stronger regional partnerships and collaborative efforts to ensure the long-term success of Africa’s agricultural industries. He expressed optimism that the Poultry Futures Forum 2024 would serve as a catalyst for effective strategies to boost food production and enhance agricultural sustainability across the continent.

“This forum is just the beginning. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that the discussions and strategies developed here are implemented for the benefit of all our nations. Together, we can achieve food sovereignty and resilience,” he said,