The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA/WISHH) and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) have jointly expressed their dedication to support and enhance the sustainable development and growth of the African feed industry and its long-term commercial trade development.

They said their commitment is riding on the back of the realization that the African feed industry is generating solutions to enhance the continent’s soybean value chain, adding that they plan to establish Soy Excellence Centres (SECs), starting with one in Egypt, with a future site planned for Nigeria already in the works.

They plan to invest in emerging markets, identify factors like growing populations and improving economic conditions to address protein deficiency, among the populations.

Kevin Roepke, U.S. Soybean Export Council’s regional director for South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, in an interview, disclosed that the centres are designed to provide training, resources and education to all members of the soy value chain, including farmers, animal protein integrators, feed millers, animal nutritionists and local academic resources.

He said this would help to build awareness of the benefits of soy in animal feed, aquaculture and human consumption through teaching and highlighting best practices. This will include the use of demonstration equipment to show the production of soy, thereby exposing participants to all the available options in the production of high-quality soymeal and soy. Business A.M.