26 July 2023
The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) is launching an academy to empower new entrants into the industry.
Nominations of suitable entrepreneurs for the academy open at the end of July, and the first intake’s studies will begin in January with a business boot camp.
The academy will be funded by the AMIE’s share of the levy on imported beef, pork, lamb, poultry and mechanically deboned meat introduced this year by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the National Agricultural Marketing Council.
The AMIE says that while training and development is not its main focus, it is eager to play its part in making the industry representative. That’s why it has designed an annual development programme with partners in the training industry.
The academy will also offer opportunities for internships, bursaries and co-sponsorships in a practical work environment, and “AMIE foresees that a dedicated curriculum that is industry-specific will be needed to ensure that these emerging entrepreneurs have a solid business foundation and understanding of the industry”.
It adds: “The levy will empower AMIE to further our vision of commitment to exceeding members’ expectations by providing strategic solutions and innovative thinking, resulting in the sustainable growth of the meat and poultry import and export sector.
“It will also be instrumental in achieving our mission of being a thought leader with a strong membership, offering services that add significant value to the meat/poultry import and export industry of Southern Africa.”
AMIE says it is committed to supporting black importers and exporters who want to enter a difficult market. “The movement of meat across borders is a complex business, which means few companies succeed in this field.”
The association says several historically disadvantaged companies are already taking advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act agreement with the US to export poultry.
“But entering this market requires support and guidance, and many of the new importers face serious risks as they establish a foothold for themselves.
“Not only are the barriers to entry insurmountable to many entrepreneurs, but many candidates lack business understanding and practical know-how of their product.”
The new academy’s development programme “aims to develop candidates into meaningful role players in the industry”, says AMIE.
“In this way, it can be ensured that candidates will receive adequate training and coaching in both the theory and practice of agricultural matters as well as a variety of economic, financial and accounting skills, setting them up for success and building a successful model for future cohorts in the programme.”
The first phase of the project is the identifying of entrepreneurs. Nomination for entries of suitable candidates will open end July 2023. AMIE members and associate members will have the first opportunity to nominate academy candidates, then there will be an open nomination window.
For further information contact Surisa Nel, the AMIE stakeholder engagement and transformation lead, at 083 459 1907 or surisa@amiesa.co.za
