Copyright © 2025 Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT A CONSULTATION WORKSHOP REPORT DIGITALIZATION OF FOOD CROP VALUE CHAINS: ADVANCING DIGITAL INTEGRATION IN EGYPT’S KEY FOOD CROP VALUE CHAINS Semiramis - Cairo, Egypt Monday, 27 January 2025 Organized by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT of CGIAR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt, and the Innovators’ Support Fund (ISF) 2 Correct citation: Azim, A. A.; Menza, G (2025). Digitalization of Food Crop Value Chains: Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains, Consultation Workshop Report. Semiramis, Cairo, Egypt. Monday, 27 January 2025. CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform. Rome (Italy): Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). ISBN: 978-92-9255-344-9. About the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT: The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. The Alliance delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives in a climate crisis. About the CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP): A4IP is the venture space that leverages CGIAR’s legacy in research and innovation to co-design, accelerate, and de- risk the development and deployment of science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and climate action. A4IP entrepreneurs pioneer models to bridge research products from lab to market, create demand for CGIAR science, and strengthen its role in the innovation ecosystem. The initiative plays a catalytic role for entrepreneurial scientists, startups, and other strategic partners driving innovation that will make our agrifood systems healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable. A4IP is an initiative powered by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT— a CGIAR research center. This report is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non-commercial 4.0 International License. © 2025 Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT Cover photo: Getty Images 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report serves as a detailed record of the Consultation Workshop: “Digitalization of Food Crop Value Chains: Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains”. It was developped by Prof. Dr. Adel Abdel Azim, Director of the Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, and Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Innovative Finance, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. The authors express their sincere gratitude to the following individuals and institutions for their invaluable contributions to this report: We extend our deepest appreciation to Mr. Alaa Farouq, Minister of Agriculture, for his visionary leadership and institutional support. We are profoundly grateful to our technical collaborators: Dr. Adel Abd-Elazeem, Eng. Magdy Abdalla, Prof. Dr. Mohamed ElKersh, Dr. Fadl Hashem, Dr. Maryem Hazman, and Dr. Mohamed Taqi for their substantive contributions, critical insights, and technical expertise throughout this research. For editorial development, we acknowledge Vincent Johnson (Consultant, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Science Writing Service) for meticulous copy editing and editorial review, and Olga Spellman (Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Science Writing Service) for her expert structural guidance in shaping the narrative framework of this report. The successful completion of this work was made possible through the collective support of these distinguished professionals and institutions. 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A consultation workshop on “Digitalization of Food Crop Value Chains: Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains” was held on 27 January 2025 in Cairo. The consultation aimed to advance digital solutions for Egypt’s key crops, including date palms, potatoes and tomatoes. The workshop convened more than 80 stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, AgriTech entrepreneurs, and farmers. Hosted by CGIAR, the Ministry of Agriculture, and partners, the workshop aims aligned with Egypt Vision 2030 to modernize agriculture through technology, addressing critical challenges to productivity, sustainability, and market access. Key workshop outcomes: Identifying challenges and opportunities and drafting recommendations for future actions that support digitalizing Egypt’s food-crop value chains. Challenges: The workshop identified three challenges: i) Infrastructural gaps related to limited rural internet connectivity and digital literacy; ii) Supply chain inefficiencies arising from fragmented logistics and high post-harvest losses (costing an annual equivalent of US$1.2 billion); and iii) Policy barriers posed by outdated regulations that restrict emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain). Opportunity areas: The workshop also identified two key opportunity areas: i) The technology arena: including AI-driven precision farming techniques that not only improve efficiency (20–35% water savings), blockchain traceability (30% waste reduction), and e-commerce platforms but also contribute to crop input efficiency For example, precision planting can boost productivity while reducing seed costs, and precision spraying—guided by real-time surveillance—can significantly cut pesticide and fertilizer use; and ii) Partnerships, especially public-private collaborations to scale solutions (e.g., 15 Agri-Tech startups matched with pilot farms). Recommendations: The workshop team recommends: i) Investing in rural digital infrastructure (mobile networks, farmer training); ii) Launching the Agri-Tech Collaborative Innovation Hub (Annex 4) to pilot and scale solutions, with initial scaling focused at the governorate level in Minya and Kafr El Sheikh; and iii) Reforming policies to support data governance and financial inclusion (e.g., microloans). Section 4 provides a more disaggregated list of eight recommendations. Next steps: In its next steps, the Digital Transformation Unit (DTU) team will: i) Finalize a 12-month policy roadmap for AgriTech adoption (Annex 2); ii) Mobilize a US$10 million investment pipeline for digital infrastructure (Annex 2) and iii) Strengthen partnerships to implement workshop insights. This digital roadmap positions Egypt as a leader in climate-resilient digital agriculture, driving food security and economic growth. 5 CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................................ 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 4 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 6 LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................................... 6 LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................................. 6 1. BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1. Overview of Egypt’s Agricultural Digitalization Status .................................................................. 8 1.2. Policy Framework ............................................................................................................................ 8 1.3. Existing Governmental Activities Supporting Egypt's Food-Crop Value-Chain Digitalization ...... 9 Axis 1: Using Social Media in Agricultural Extension .......................................................................... 9 Axis 2: Using Artificial Intelligence Applications ............................................................................... 10 Axis 3: Supporting Innovation and Startups in Digital Extension ..................................................... 10 1.4. Key Market Players ....................................................................................................................... 11 1.5. Market Demands and Stakeholder Needs ................................................................................... 12 2. WORKSHOP CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................... 13 2.1. Workshop Context ........................................................................................................................ 14 2.2. Workshop Objectives .................................................................................................................... 15 3 . WORKSHOP METHODOLOGY AND ACTIVITIES .................................................................................. 16 3.1. Workshop Methodology ............................................................................................................... 16 3.2. Workshop Attendees .................................................................................................................... 17 3.3. Workshop Panel Discussions ........................................................................................................ 17 3.4. Workshop Breakout Session Insights ........................................................................................... 18 4. CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................... 19 4.1. Challenges Identified ..................................................................................................................... 19 4.2. Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 20 5. CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................................................... 21 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................................ 23 Annex 1: List of Speakers ........................................................................................................................... 24 Annex 2: Proposal for a Cooperative AgriTech Initiative .......................................................................... 26 Annex 3: Workshop Outline ....................................................................................................................... 28 6 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS A4IP: Acceleration for Impact Platform ACIH: AgriTech Collaborative Innovation Hub Agri-MiSR: Egypt's first integrated agricultural digital platform AI: Artificial Intelligence ARC: Agricultural Research Center ASRT: Academy of Scientific Research and Technology CAPMAS: Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics CIAT: International Center for Tropical Agriculture CWANA: Central and West Asia and North Africa DTU: Digital Transformation Unit (at the Ministry of Agriculture) F2R-CWANA: From Fragility to Resilience in Central and West Asia and North Africa’ FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GDP: Gross Domestic Product GeoAgro-MiSR: A mobile app that leverages a wide range of innovative digital tools and technologies to transform Egyptian agriculture and empower farming communities GIZ: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Development Agency) ICARDA: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas ICT: Information and Communications Technology IoT: Internet of Things ISF: Innovators’ Support Fund IWMI: International Water Management Institute KENANA: A website for agricultural services MALR: (Egyptian) Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation MCIT: (Egyptian) Ministry of Communications and Information Technology MHESR: (Egyptian) Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research SADS: Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals SWERI: Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes UNDP: United Nations Development Programme LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Event Banner - “Digitalization of Egypt’s Food Crop Value Chains: 13 Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains” Consultation Workshop Figure 2: Group photo of participants at the Consultation Workshop 14 Figure 3: Photo of the Panel Speakers on Challenges and Opportunities in Digitalizing 17 Food Crop Value Chains Figure 4: Photo of the Breakout Group Discussions. 18 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: The workshop’s eight strategic recommendations to enhance Egypt’s AgriTech 20 ecosystem and accelerate digitalization in food-crop value chains 7 1. BACKGROUND Digital transformation of Egyptian agriculture is actively evolving through the integration of technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and extension services. Significant opportunities exist within this landscape, driven by Egypt's rapid mobile technology penetration—over 75% of the population has mobile access—and expanding rural connectivity. This infrastructure enables direct farmer engagement through apps, SMS services, and online platforms. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing further unlock potential for precision agriculture solutions, such as integrated platforms delivering real-time weather forecasts, pest management tools, and market price updates. These innovations empower farmers to optimize productivity, reduce risks, and improve resource efficiency [1]. This technological shift is reinforced by strong policy support. The Egyptian government has demonstrated commitment through national strategies like Egypt Vision 2030, which prioritizes agricultural modernization and digital transformation. Policies incentivizing sustainable practices and public-private partnerships create an enabling environment for scaling solutions—exemplified by initiatives matching AgriTech startups with pilot farms. Subsidies for digital tools and financial incentives for technology providers further accelerate adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers. Institutional frameworks like the Ministry of Agriculture’s Digital Transformation Unit (DTU) complement these efforts; its digital library hosts 230 reference materials on plant/animal production, supported by national extension services [2]. However, substantial challenges impede progress. Critical gaps include inadequate digital literacy among extension workers and farmers, insufficient rural infrastructure (e.g., connectivity limitations), and chronic underfunding. The DTU library exemplifies systemic issues: 85% of its resources were published before 2014 [2], highlighting urgent needs for content modernization and dynamic engagement strategies. Experts identify the absence of a cohesive digital transformation strategy as a fundamental barrier, alongside weak legal frameworks governing digital initiatives [3]. Extension workers themselves acknowledge deficiencies in guidance services and evaluation mechanisms essential for effective implementation [4]. Addressing these challenges necessitates targeted capacity-building as a cornerstone for success. Equipping extension agents and farmers with digital skills requires tailored training programs that account for rural literacy levels and technological barriers. Collaborations with universities, NGOs, and research institutions can drive the creation of localized, contextually relevant content. Peer-to-peer learning models—paired with digital platforms—can cultivate networks of "tech champion" farmers to accelerate knowledge transfer. Beyond training, strategic investments in connectivity infrastructure, updated policy frameworks, and robust monitoring systems are imperative to ensure inclusivity and scalability. Ultimately, realizing Egypt’s digital agricultural potential hinges on synergizing technological innovation, policy coherence, and human capital development. Without addressing the triad of modernized content delivery (e.g., revitalizing the DTU library), infrastructure equity, and institutional capacity, digital transformation initiatives will remain fragmented and fail to achieve systemic impact. 8 1.1. Overview of Egypt’s Agricultural Digitalization Status The livelihoods of the world’s poor are closely tied to agriculture, and thus heavily influenced by global challenges. Enhancing smallholder farmers’ capacities to access knowledge, networks, and institutions is critical to improving their livelihoods, productivity, food security, and employment opportunities. Addressing these needs is a fundamental development challenge. Agricultural technology, particularly digital technology, must be prioritized to address the global challenges associated with achieving food security. Comprehensive rural transformation, driven by digitization, has become a high political priority as it plays a pivotal role in accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goals 1 (no poverty), 2 (no hunger), and 10 (reduced inequality). Agricultural extension has traditionally played an essential role in transferring knowledge and skills that help farmers, especially rural women, to increase agricultural productivity and income. However, Egypt's agricultural extension services face significant challenges in fulfilling their tasks effectively. The adoption of digital technologies is becoming increasingly necessary, driven by external factors such as climate change. In Egypt, the agricultural sector has witnessed significant developments including the adoption of various digital activities, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about new global realities. Digital technologies, especially mobile applications in agriculture, have been introduced primarily by international organizations in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, youth groups, and emerging companies. These efforts have expanded the use of digital tools across the entire agri-food value chain in Egypt. 1.2. Policy Framework The Egyptian government has committed to modernizing the agricultural sector through its national strategies, such as Egypt Vision 2030. Policies supporting digital transformation and sustainable agricultural practices create an enabling environment for digital extension. Public-private partnerships are encouraged to foster innovation and scale digital solutions. Initiatives such as subsidies for digital tools and incentives for AgriTech companies further bolster opportunities to integrate technology into extension services, ensuring broader adoption among smallholder farmers. Egypt's policy framework for the digitalization of food crop value chains encompasses a combination of national strategies, regulations, and initiatives aimed at integrating digital technologies into agriculture to enhance productivity, sustainability, and economic growth. Key components include: Egypt has developed three National Strategies: i. The Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy (SADS) 2030: This strategy outlines Egypt's vision for a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector by 2030, emphasizing the adoption of modern technologies and digital solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. 9 ii. Egypt Vision 2030: As part of the broader national development plan, Egypt Vision 2030 includes objectives to modernize the agricultural sector through technological innovation and digital transformation, aiming to achieve food security and economic resilience. iii. Egypt’s Digital Strategy: Egypt’s digital transformation strategy is a key pillar in modernizing various sectors, including agriculture. The government, through the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, has implemented several initiatives to drive digital adoption across industries, such as the ministry’s website, digital agricultural services, the e-guidance application, and the process of indexing agricultural lands using artificial intelligence and geographic information systems. Egypt has also developed a Digital Agriculture Initiative called Digital AG4 Egypt. This focuses on leveraging digital technologies to transform Egypt's agricultural sector, addressing challenges such as efficient logistics, farmer extension services, value-chain enhancement, and reducing food loss and waste. The government has passed laws and regulations relevant to agricultural digitalization, including its Agricultural Law No. 53 of 1966 (as amended by Law No. 116 of 1983): This foundational law governs agricultural practices in Egypt, including land use, crop management, and cooperative associations, providing a legal framework that supports modernization efforts. Two elements of Egypt’s institutional framework support agricultural digitalization: i. The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR): MALR is responsible for implementing agricultural policies, including those related to digital transformation, and works in collaboration with other ministries and agencies to promote technology adoption in agriculture. ii. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT): MCIT collaborates with MALR to enhance digital infrastructure and services in rural areas, facilitating the integration of digital technologies into agricultural practices. This comprehensive policy framework reflects Egypt's commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector through digital integration, aiming to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in food-crop value chains. 1.3. Existing Governmental Activities Supporting Egypt's Food-Crop Value-Chain Digitalization The Egyptian government has launched multiple initiatives to drive digital transformation in agriculture, focusing on technology integration, improved efficiency, and farmer empowerment. The status of digital extension in the Ministry of Agriculture reflects its adoption of modern technologies to enhance agricultural advisory services. The strategy incorporates three key axes: Axis 1: Using Social Media in Agricultural Extension The Ministry of Agriculture employs social media for digital extension, as these platforms have become a cultural phenomenon, allowing individuals to connect globally, exchange ideas, and share information without geographic barriers. Social media replaces traditional methods of agricultural extension like print media or face-to-face interactions by offering direct, timely access to agricultural information. Examples include: 10 1. Ezraa Sahih: A service delivering agricultural information and guidance to optimize crop productivity. It has reached 4 million farmers, providing simple advice to improve yields and mitigate climate impacts. 2. "Aradina" Portal: Part of the KENANA Online community knowledge networks–an Egyptian digital initiative by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at expanding Arabic e-content and connecting rural and urban communities. This portal serves individuals engaged in agriculture and livestock production, offering tailored resources for farmers, academics, traders, and companies. Axis 2: Using Artificial Intelligence Applications The Ministry of Agriculture integrates artificial intelligence (AI) in digital extension, aligning with Egypt’s national digital transformation strategy. Initiatives aim to provide modern solutions for managing agricultural challenges, addressing the shortage of agricultural advisors, and assisting farmers. Key AI applications include: 1. Hudhud App: An AI-powered tool for identifying pests, managing crops, and advising on climate- change adaptations. It provides interactive, documented guidance to farmers. 2. Poultry Diseases Diagnosis App: Developed by the Climate-Change Information Center, this expert system assists poultry farmers and veterinarians in diagnosing diseases. 3. Arwi App: Developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and SouthWest Ecological Restoration Institutes (SWERI), it offers remote-sensing-based irrigation scheduling for six crops, customized to specific requirements. 4. Integrated Olive Management App: Provides advisory services for olive farming, covering irrigation, pest control, and scientific farming practices. 5. Integrated Pomegranate Management App: Offers guidance for pomegranate cultivation, from planting to pest management, tailored to individual farm conditions. 6. Agricultural Clinic: This platform digitizes extension services, using AI to offer farmers actionable insights, from diagnostics to best practices, aiming to bridge productivity gaps. Axis 3: Supporting Innovation and Startups in Digital Extension The Ministry collaborates with stakeholders and an Agricultural Innovation Project (GIZ1) to foster innovation and digital transformation in agriculture. Initiatives aim to modernize agricultural practices and support startups that integrate advanced science into farming. Key projects include: 1. Agri-MiSR: Egypt's first integrated agricultural digital platform by Aswaaq "Misr," in partnership with various ministries and institutions. It connects farmers with premium agricultural inputs and services, facilitating a comprehensive agricultural/AgriTech ecosystem. 1 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Development Agency) https://agrimisr.com/ 11 2. "Al-Mufeed" for Food and Agriculture: A mobile app launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It offers services for improving production, marketing, livestock management, pest control, and rural women's empowerment. It covers topics such as citrus and date cultivation, poultry farming, and wholesale vegetable prices, providing accessible, critical information 3. GeoAgro-MiSR application: The Ministry of Agriculture has collaborated with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) to create a mobile application called "GeoAgro-MiSR". This application positions digital agriculture at the forefront of leveraging digital technologies that can transform Egyptian agriculture and empower farming communities, using a wide range of innovative tools and technologies. This will enhance productivity, improve resource management, and promote sustainable practices in agriculture. The GeoAgro-MiSR app provides timely and context-specific information to farmers. These applications provide access to weather forecasts, market prices, crop management practices, and pest and disease diagnosis. By leveraging mobile technologies, it helps farmers make informed decisions, boost productivity, and improve overall farm management. 1.4. Key Market Players There are eight main stakeholder groups, each playing a vital role in ensuring the success and sustainability of digital transformation services in Egypt’s agricultural sector. Collaboration among them is critical to address challenges and scale solutions effectively. These include the following: 1. Government Ministries and Agencies: • Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR): Oversees agricultural policies, extension services, and research initiatives. It plays a key role in developing and implementing digital transformation platforms. • Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT): Supports the digital transformation of agriculture by enhancing information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and enabling the development of AgriTech solutions. • Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS): Provides critical data that can be used to inform digital transformation tools. 2. Research Institutions and Universities: These conduct research on best practices for digital tools in agriculture, develop localized content, and provide technical training for extension agents and farmers. Examples include the Egyptian Agricultural Research Center (ARC) and faculties of agriculture across Egyptian universities. 3. The Private Sector: • Agritech Companies: Develop mobile applications, software, and platforms for digital farming solutions. Examples include apps for weather updates, pest management, and market prices. 12 • Telecommunication Companies: Provide the infrastructure and connectivity required for digital transformation services in rural areas. 4. International Development Organizations: These provide funding, technical expertise, and frameworks to support digital transformation programs in Egypt. Examples include the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT); CGIAR; FAO; ICARDA; the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 5. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): These organization facilitate grassroots-level implementation by working closely with rural communities to promote digital tools and train farmers. They also ensure inclusivity by targeting marginalized groups such as women and smallholder farmers. 6. Farmer Cooperatives and Unions: These act as intermediaries, bridging the gap between farmers and digital transformation providers. They help disseminate digital tools and provide feedback to developers for improvement. 7. Rural Communities and Farmers: As the primary beneficiaries of digital transformation initiatives, their feedback and participation are crucial for ensuring that tools and platforms are user-friendly, accessible, and relevant. 8. Media and Communication Platforms: These serve as channels for promoting digital transformation tools and providing farmers with timely updates on agricultural practices, market trends, and climate advisories. 1.5. Market Demands and Stakeholder Needs There are at least seven key challenges facing traditional agricultural extension services, with regard to digital transformation, associated market demands and stakeholders’ needs: 1. Increased Cost of Digital Guidance: The high costs associated with digital agricultural technologies and services pose a significant constraint to widespread adoption. 2. Fragmentation of Agricultural Holdings: The fragmentation of agricultural land in the Nile Valley and Delta regions of Egypt limits the effective implementation of digital solutions. 3. Lack of Skills and Awareness: Many farmers lack the necessary skills and awareness to deal with electronic agricultural guidance. 4. Barriers for Rural Women: Rural women face significant restrictions in accessing e-guidance and using information and communication technologies. 5. Competition in Food Retail: Retailers are adopting multi-channel strategies, intensifying competition in the food retail sector. 13 6. Data Control and Ownership Concerns: Questions arise about who controls and owns the data within food systems, including data on farmers and consumers acquired through digital technologies. Ensuring secure storage, access, and usage of this data remains a critical issue. 7. Job Displacement: Automation and digital technologies may lead to potential job losses, displacing many roles along the value chain or requiring new skills that current workers may not possess. Difficulties Hindering the Spread of Digital Guidance Technology: Currently, there are very few private sector companies, startups, or entrepreneurs in the market providing the digital technologies covered above. It is challenging to find even a single company offering these technologies, such as drone-based solutions. This situation stems from the lack of practical implementation of innovative ideas generated by university students and graduates through various competitions and annual calls in Egypt. Analyzing the current situation reveals that the core issue lies in the absence of digital technology transfer to agriculture and food systems. Startups that have overcome initial financial and organizational challenges rarely receive support from any entity after graduating from incubators and accelerators. 2. WORKSHOP CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES In response to the many challenges artculated above, CGIAR’s Bioversity-CIAT Alliance; Egypt’s Ministries of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Innovators Support Fund (ISF) hosted a consultation workshop. The workshop considered digitalization of- and digital integration in Egypt's food-crop value chains. Particpants discussed how to provide the Egyptian government with the necessary technical support for further developing the agriculture sector using digital tools. The workshop was held in Cairo, on January 27, 2025. It aimed to explore Egypt's AgriTech innovation ecosystem. It was organized as part of the CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative 'From Fragility to Resilience in Central and West Asia and North Africa' (F2R-CWANA), the workshop focused on accelerating climate- resilient agricultural innovations. 14 Figure 1: Event Banner - Digitalization of Egypt’s Food Crop Value Chains: Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains’ Consultation Workshop – Monday 27 January 2025, Cairo, Egypt 2.1. Workshop Context Egypt’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of national food security and economic stability, with key crops such as date-palms, potatoes, and tomatoes significantly contributing to Egyptian livelihoods and exports. Although Egypt’s agricultural sector generates 11% of gross domestic product (GDP), and 28% of total employment, its key value chains (date-palms, potatoes, tomatoes) face pressing challenges. Annually, Egypt loses around US$1.2 billion due to post-harvest inefficiencies. The use of outdated practices results in an approximate 40% yield gap. Access to markets remains limited for most (85%) Egyptian smallholder farmers. To address these issues, digitalization presents an opportunity to enhance transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness within the sector. Integrating digital technologies can help reduce post-harvest losses, optimize resource use, and improve access to markets—contributing to Egypt’s Vision 2030, which seeks to modernize agriculture, increase productivity, and build a resilient food system. The Digitalization of Egypt’s Food-Crop Value Chains Project is an initiative designed to advance digital integration in Egypt’s key food-crop value chains. By leveraging innovative technologies such as digital farm management systems, supply chain optimization, and enhanced market access solutions, this initiative aims to create a sustainable, efficient, and competitive agricultural sector. Digital transformation aligns with Egypt’s above-mentioned Vision 2030 and its Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy (SADS) 2030, offering solutions through i) AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), that 15 relate to precision farming and smart irrigation; ii) Blockchain technology, concerning transparent supply chains; and iii) E-commerce that provides direct farmer-to-market linkages. Figure 2: Group photo of participants at the Consultation Workshop 2.2. Workshop Objectives The primary aim of the workshop was to facilitate a multi-stakeholder dialogue to accelerate the digital transformation of Egypt’s agricultural sector. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and farmers, the workshop sought to identify key challenges and opportunities in AgriTech adoption, enhance market linkages, and foster innovation-driven partnerships. The goal was to create a roadmap for integrating advanced digital solutions into Egypt’s food-crop value chains, ultimately contributing to food security, economic resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices. Key objectives included fostering research-entrepreneurship linkages, prioritizing challenges for the AgriTech 4Egypt Innovation Challenge, identifying investment opportunities, and connecting key stakeholders. Specifically, these were to: 1. Diagnose barriers to digitalization by mapping bottlenecks in production, logistics, and market access for key crops. 2. Align with national goals by prioritizing economic ($US 50 billion value-chain modernization), social (empowering more than five million smallholders), and environmental (integrating climate-smart technologies) targets. 3. Foster partnerships, primarily by launching a public-private task force (Q2 2025 and matching startups with pilot farms. 4. Develop solutions through proposing scalable digital tools (e.g., Hudhud App, Al-Mofid Platform). 5. Build a roadmap by designing a 12-month action plan and US$10 million investment pipeline. 16 By addressing these objectives, the workshop laid the foundation for a technology-driven transformation, ensuring long-term competitiveness and food security. 3. WORKSHOP METHODOLOGY AND ACTIVITIES 3.1. Workshop Methodology The workshop was designed to ensure an interactive and participatory approach, allowing stakeholders from various sectors to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute insights based on their expertise. It featured panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities that provided valuable insights into Egypt's AgriTech ecosystem. It brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities within Egypt’s agricultural value chains. Participants included representatives from governmental agencies, research centers, banks, agribusinesses, extension and advisory services, value-chain actors (i.e., processors, wholesalers, buyers), farmer cooperatives, and support organizations operating in the digital and innovation space–who can bring in different expertise and insights into the topics. It aimed to fulfill the objectives listed in section 2.2. In more detail, the methodology comprised the following key elements: • Stakeholder Mapping and Invitations: Prior to the workshop, key stakeholders from academia, government, private sector, AgriTech startups, and farmer organizations were identified and invited to ensure a balanced representation of the ecosystem (see section 3.2). • Panel Discussions: Experts from different domains provided an overview of the current AgriTech landscape, including financial challenges, technological gaps, and policy support mechanisms. • Breakout Sessions: An initial workshop was conducted to provide a realistic view of the current situation in Egypt, with the participation of experts and specialists from different relevant sectors. During the workshop, participants were divided into three groups, each focusing on a specific topic: agricultural challenges, the role of accelerator programs, and technological constraints. These sessions were facilitated by facilitators with expertise in AgriTech and rural development. • Guided Discussions: Each breakout session was structured around pre-defined guiding questions to ensure that discussions remained focused and results driven. • Idea Generation and Prioritization: Participants were encouraged to propose innovative solutions, which were then assessed and prioritized based on feasibility, scalability, and impact. • Plenary Session and Reporting: Findings from each breakout session were presented in a plenary discussion, allowing cross-sector feedback and refinement of key insights. • Post-Workshop Synthesis: The collected data was analyzed and synthesized into this report, highlighting key takeaways and proposed actions for AgriTech innovation in Egypt. 17 3.2. Workshop Attendees The workshop was well attended by 80 participants, representing key ecosystem players, including accelerators, incubators, research centers, universities, agri-food companies, farmer organizations, and start-ups. Participants included government officials, research institutions, incubators, accelerators, venture funds, and farmers. High-level representatives from the Egyptian government as well as the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation, attended and actively engaged in the agenda. These included: • The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR) • The Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) • The Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) • The Egyptian Agriculture Research Center (ARC) • The Innovators’ Support Fund (ISF) • The Acceleration for Impact Platform (A4IP) • Fund organization, Climate Resilient Africa Fund, CGIAR/ICARDA. 3.3. Workshop Panel Discussions Participants discussed the challenges to and opportunities for digitalizing food-crop value chains within the following eight topic areas: 1. Barriers to Digital Adoption: Panelists discussed major hurdles, such as infrastructure deficiencies, financial constraints, and limited digital literacy among farmers. 2. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government entities and private AgriTech firms was emphasized as a solution to enhance technology adoption. 3. Case Studies: Successful implementation of digital solutions in other regions was highlighted, showcasing the impact of mobile platforms, IoT in precision farming, and digital marketplaces. 4. Regulatory Frameworks: Panelists debated the need for updated policies to support digital transformation in Egypt’s agricultural sector. 5. Future Trends: The discussion explored emerging technologies such as blockchain for supply- chain transparency, and AI-driven analytics for yield prediction. 6. Panel Discussion Takeaways concerning Barriers to Digital Adoption: These included infrastructure deficiencies, financial constraints, and low digital literacy. 7. Public-Private Partnerships: panelists discussed public-private collaboration as an essential element in scaling digital solutions. 8. Emerging Technologies: panelists discussed the merits of Blockchain and AI for enhancing supply- chain transparency and yield prediction. 18 Figure 3: Photo of the Panel Speakers on Challenges and Opportunities in Digitalizing Food Crop Value Chains 3.4. Workshop Breakout Session Insights In their breakout discussion groups, participants identified six key insights on digitalization, across three themes: Theme A: Market Trends and Value-Chain Challenges: 1. Fragmented agricultural holdings hinder digital adoption. 2. There is an urgent need for better market linkages to reduce post-harvest losses. Theme B: Digital Solutions for Supply Chain Optimization: 3. AI and IoT can optimize logistics and reduce costs. 4. Cold-chain storage solutions are critical for perishable crops. Theme C: Enhancing Market Access and E-commerce: 5. Digital marketplaces can connect farmers directly with buyers. 6. E-commerce platforms can improve price transparency. 19 Figure 4: Photo of the Breakout Group Discussions. 4. CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the discussions and findings from the workshop, the workshop highlighted several challenges related to digitalization in agriculture: 4.1. Challenges Identified 1. Limited access to digital infrastructure in rural farming areas. 2. High costs of AgriTech solutions and lack of tailored financial products for smallholder farmers. 3. Regulatory and policy gaps affecting the adoption of digital solutions. 4. Fragmented value chains lead to inefficiencies in logistics and market access. 5. Limited digital literacy among farmers, requiring targeted capacity-building efforts. 6. Climate-related risks, necessitating climate-smart digital innovations. 20 4.2. Recommendations Workshop participants considered the challenges articulated in Section 4.1 and drafted the following eight recommendations to enhance Egypt’s AgriTech ecosystem and accelerate digitalization in food- crop value chains: 1. Enhance Digital Infrastructure o Invest in high-speed internet access and mobile connectivity in rural agricultural areas and promote mobile-based agricultural services. o Develop digital literacy programs for farmers to ensure effective use of AgriTech solutions. 2. Facilitate Financial Inclusion o Establish specialized financial products such as low-interest loans, microfinancing, digital payment systems, and financial incentives for AgriTech adoption. o Encourage public and private partnerships to fund innovative digital solutions for smallholder farmers. 3. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships o Foster collaborations between government agencies, private enterprises, and research institutions to co-develop digital solutions. o Provide incentives for private sector investment in AgriTech startups. 4. Implement Policy and Regulatory Reforms o Develop regulatory frameworks and update agricultural policies that encourage the adoption of blockchain, IoT, AI and e-commerce solutions in agriculture. o Simplify data governance policies to support digital record-keeping and traceability in food value chains. 5. Support AgriTech Startups and Innovation o Create incubator and accelerator programs to support AgriTech entrepreneurs. o Facilitate access to mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for startups. 6. Improve Market Access and Value-Chain Efficiency o Promote the adoption of e-commerce platforms to connect farmers directly with buyers. o Implement digital marketplaces, optimize logistics tracking, and develop cold-chain storage systems to reduce post-harvest losses. 7. Provide Digitalization-Relevant Capacity Building and Training 21 o Expand extension services to train farmers and extension workers on best practices for precision agriculture and digital tools. o Develop knowledge-sharing platforms to connect farmers with industry experts. 8. Build Sustainability and Climate Resilience o Encourage the use of digital tools to enhance water efficiency (e.g., smart irrigation and climate-resilient crops) and soil management and promote sustainable farming practices. o Promote climate-smart agriculture initiatives integrating digital innovations. These recommendations are summarized in Table 1. By implementing these recommendations, Egypt can harness digital transformation to improve productivity, sustainability, and economic growth in the agricultural sector. These strategic steps will enable the country to build a more resilient and technology- driven food system while ensuring the inclusion of smallholder farmers in the digital revolution. Table 1: The workshop’s eight strategic recommendations to enhance Egypt’s AgriTech ecosystem and accelerate digitalization in food-crop value chains Focus Area Recommended Actions Digital Infrastructure Expand rural broadband, promote mobile services Financial Inclusion Develop micro-loans, digital payment systems Public-Private Collaboration Establish innovation hubs, co-development programs Policy and Regulatory Reforms Update regulations for emerging technologies AgriTech Startups & Innovation Incubator/accelerator/mentoring/networking programs Market Access and Value-Chain Efficiency Implement digital marketplaces, cold-chain solutions Capacity Building Farmer training programs, extension service upgrades Climate Resilience Promote smart irrigation, drought-resistant crops 5. CONCLUSION The primary aim of the workshop was to explore the role of digital transformation in modernizing Egypt’s agricultural value chains. The event sought to foster dialogue among key stakeholders, including government agencies, private-sector actors, research institutions, and farmers, to identify solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the sector. By promoting the integration of innovative digital technologies into farming practices, logistics, and market access, the workshop aimed to contribute to the achievement of Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals for agricultural development. In implementing the recommendations listed in Section 4.2, Egypt will accelerate the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture, leading to improved productivity, sustainability, and market access for 22 smallholder farmers. This will support the country’s long-term goals for food security and economic growth in the agricultural sector. The workshop has underscored the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to drive AgriTech innovation in Egypt. The recommendations emphasized technology affordability, regulatory reforms, market access, and continuous capacity-building efforts. By fostering an enabling Agritech ecosystem and leveraging digital transformation, Egypt can position itself as a leader in AgriTech solutions tailored for climate resilience and sustainable agriculture. 23 BIBLIOGRAPHY [1] Atwa, A,A and Govind, A (2023). E-Extension and Digital Augmentation of the Egyptian Agricultural Sector: Situation Analysis of The Capacity of Stakeholders to Use Digital Innovations and Tools and The Constraints on the E-Extension Systems Towards the Adoption of Digital Augmentation in the Egyptian Agricultural Sector. CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy- Egypt Use Case. International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Cairo, Egypt. [1] Medhat, Ezzat, Abdelwahab, Hassan. (2024). Analysis of The Digital Transformation Content of The Central Administration of Agricultural Extension and Environment Website, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, doi: 10.21608/ejarc.2024.377813 [2] Mohammed, Y., Shalaby., Islam, Hassan, Sakr. (2024). Challenges Facing the Digital Transformation of the Egyptian Agricultural Sector and the Prospective Extension Role in Overcoming Them through the Agricultural Experts' Vision. Mağallaẗ al-Ǧam’iyyiaẗ al-’Ilmiyyaẗ lil-Iršād al-Zirā’ī, doi: 10.21608/mgiz.2024.377577 [3] Abdelghany, Abdeldayem, Naser., E.D., Amro., Heba, A., Mohamed. (2024). Requirements for digital transformation of the agricultural extension organization from the point of view of extension workers in some governorates of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Menoufia Journal of Agricultural Economic and Social Sciences, doi: 10.21608/mjabes.2024.258595.1052 24 Annex 1: List of Speakers • Eng. Magdy Adalla, Head of Minister’s Affairs Office and Institutions Sector o Eng. Magdy Adalla has played a key role in overseeing agricultural policies and institutional collaborations in Egypt. His remarks focused on the role of digitalization in modernizing Egypt’s agricultural sector. • Dr. Adel Abdel Azim, Head – Agriculture Research Center (ARC) o Dr. Abdel Azim leads research initiatives aimed at enhancing Egypt’s agricultural productivity. His speech highlighted research-based innovations that support digital transformation. • Dr. Hany Ayyad, CEO – Innovators Support Fund (ISF) o Dr. Hany Ayyad brings expertise in funding innovation and entrepreneurship in Egypt. He discussed financial mechanisms available for digital AgriTech solutions. • Dr. Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Innovative Finance – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR o Dr. Menza is an expert in finance and partnerships within the AgriTech sector. He provided insights on Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy for advancing digitalization in • Dr. Mervat Sedky, Head of Research - Rural Women Department - Extension Institute – Agriculture Research Center (ARC) o Dr. Sedky specializes in rural development and women’s participation in agriculture. She addressed the role of digital tools in improving rural livelihoods. • Dr. Mohamed El Quarsh, Minister's Assistant on Digitalization (tbc) o Dr. El Quarsh focuses on integrating digital transformation in Egypt’s governmental policies. His session examined policy support for AgriTech initiatives. • Ziyad El-Hamzawi, Investment Analyst – Climate Resilient Africa Fund (CRAF) o With a background in finance, Ziyad El-Hamzawi analyzed investment trends in AgriTech , particularly in sustainable and climate-smart technologies. • Dr. Mona Elkasier, Focal Point – Minister’s Technical Office o Dr. Elkasier is known for her expertise in agricultural policy and strategy. She guided discussions on the opportunities and challenges in digital transformation. • Ramy Boujawdeh, COO – Berytech o Ramy Boujawdeh has extensive experience in AgriTech innovation and entrepreneurship. He shared insights on startup acceleration and the role of private sector investment. 25 • Dr. Mohsen Sarhan Ali, CEO – Egyptian Food Bank o Dr. Sarhan Ali discussed food security challenges and how digitalization can streamline food distribution systems. • Dr. Moustafa M. Abdelbaki, CEO – Domiatec AgriGroup o As a leader in agribusiness, Dr. Abdelbaki highlighted the role of digital logistics in enhancing supply-chain efficiencies. • Dr. Alaa El-Kady, General Manager – Research and Development Technology Center o Dr. El-Kady addressed technological advancements in AgriTech and their real-world applications for Egyptian farmers. • Francesca Grazioli, Scientist I – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR o Dr. Grazioli provided an academic perspective on the intersection of research, innovation, and AgriTech solutions. • Hamis Elgabry, Program Manager – Mozare3 Farmers Partner Company o Hamis Elgabry discussed digital inclusion for smallholder farmers and strategies for making AgriTech accessible at the grassroots level. 26 Annex 2: Proposal for a Cooperative AgriTech Initiative To further benefit from the workshop outcomes, a cooperative project proposal is outlined to drive digital transformation in agriculture. The key components include: • Project Title: AgriTech Collaborative Innovation Hub (ACIH) • Objective: Establish a cooperative framework that bridges research institutions, AgriTech startups, financial institutions, and policymakers to implement digital solutions in Egyptian agriculture. • Key Activities: o Develop a digital platform for farmer support and training. o Deploy pilot precision farming projects integrating IoT and AI. o Establish financial inclusion mechanisms, including micro-loan services. o Conduct nationwide farmer training programs on AgriTech solutions. o Strengthen policy dialogue for AgriTech adoption and regulatory enhancements. • Expected Outcomes: o Increased adoption of sustainable digital agricultural technologies. o Enhanced financial inclusion and market access for farmers. o Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to support AgriTech growth. o A policy roadmap supporting the expansion of AgriTech initiatives. 27 Integrated Timeline & Budget Table (24 Months | USD 1,705,000) Phase Timeframe Key Activities Estimated Cost (USD) 1. Planning & Coordination Months 1–3 Finalize partnerships, design platform architecture, define pilot regions. $125,000 (part of project management & overhead) 2. Development & Setup Months 4–8 Build digital platform, design micro-loan tools, select pilot farms. $350,000 (platform) + $50,000 (loan tools) 3. Pilot Implementation Months 9– 14 Deploy IoT/AI on farms, roll out training, initiate micro-loans. $500,000 (equipment) + $150,000 (training) + $100,000 (micro-loans) 4. Scale-Up & Policy Engagement Months 15– 20 Expand pilots, nationwide training, policy dialogue events. $100,000 (training) + $75,000 (policy engagement) 5. Monitoring & Evaluation Months 21– 24 Conduct impact assessment, finalize roadmap, compile lessons learned. $100,000 (M&E) + $125,000 (management & reporting) Contingency Throughout Buffer for unforeseen needs across all phases. $155,000 28 Annex 3: Workshop Outline Digitalization of Egypt's Food Crop Value Chains: Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains Consultation Workshop Monday, 27 January 2025 InterContinental Cairo Semiramis (Kahramana Room, Level 2) This workshop is organized as part of the project ‘Digitalization of Egypt's Food Crop Value Chains: Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains’, and is hosted by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT of CGIAR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt, and the Innovators Support Fund (ISF)HYPERLINK "https://isf.org.eg/". Agenda: Time Session Description 09:00 Registration & Networking Breakfast Register, be assigned a breakout group, and start the day with a networking breakfast, connecting with experts in agriculture and innovation in a relaxed setting. 10:00 Welcome − Claudia Zaccari, Senior Project Analyst – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR An introduction to the event, event, providing an overview of the agenda, highlighting key themes, and outlining the objectives. 10:05 Opening Remarks − Eng. Magdy Adalla, Head of Minister’s Affairs Office and Institutions Sector − Dr. Adel Abdel Azim, Head – Agriculture Research Center (ARC) − Dr. Hany Ayyad, CEO – Innovators Support Fund (ISF) − Dr. Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Innovative Finance – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR Opening remarks from industry experts on the status and progress of Egypt’s Vision 20230 strategy for advancing the digitalization of key food crop value chains. 10:20 Setting the Scene − Dr. Mervat Sedky, Head of Research - Rural Women Department - Extension Institute – Agriculture Research Center (ARC) − Dr. Mohamed El Quarsh, Minister's Assistant on Digitalization (tbc) − Ziyad El-Hamzawi, Investment Analyst – Climate Resilient Africa Fund (CRAF) Intervention on the current landscape, exploring the role of research, rural development, and digital transformation in shaping the future of agriculture and food value chains in Egypt. This segment sets the foundation for the discussions to follow. 10:45 Panel: Challenges and Opportunities in Digitalizing Food Crop Value Chains https://alliancebioversityciat.org/ https://alliancebioversityciat.org/ https://www.cgiar.org/ https://moa.gov.eg/en/ https://moa.gov.eg/en/ https://mohesr.gov.eg/en-us/Pages/home.aspx https://isf.org.eg/%22﷟HYPERLINK%20%22https:/isf.org.eg/ 29 Time Session Description Moderator: − Dr. Mona Elkasier, Focal Point – Minister’s Technical Office Speakers: − Ramy Boujawdeh, COO – Berytech − Dr Mohsen Sarhan Ali, CEO – Egyptian Food Bank − Dr Moustafa M. Abdelbaki, CEO – Domiatec AgriGroup − Dr Alaa El-Kady, General Manager – Research and Development Technology Center − Francesca Grazioli, Scientist I – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR − Hamis Elgabry, Program Manager – Mozare3 Farmers Partner Company A multi-disciplinary discussion exploring key challenges, opportunities, and policy framework for digital transformation in food value chains. The panel will address the following questions: − What are the main challenges specific to Egypt that may hinder the digitalization of food crop value chains especially for crops (tomato – potato – date palm)? − How we can improve the infrastructure that is necessary to support digital integration in Egypt’s agricultural sector, to ensure access to digital tools and technologies for smallholder farmers across different regions in Egypt? − Nowadays, the public-private partnerships are fully supported from the government, how can Research centers, the government, and the private sector collaborate together to enhance innovation in Egypt’s food crop value chains? − Are there success stories that highlight the effective use of digital technologies in food crop value chains that you can share with us? − Looking ahead, what do you see as the most promising technologies or trends that will shape the future of food crop value chains in Egypt? − What key recommendations would you provide to effectively advance digital integration in Egypt’s food crop value chains? 11:45 Q&A Segment Moderator: − Dr. Mona Elkasier, Focal Point – Minister’s Technical Office Following the panel, an interactive session where participants can ask questions and provide insights on the topics covered. 11:55 Breakout Sessions Guidance − Claudia Zaccari, Senior Project Analyst – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR The breakout session guidance outlines the purpose of focused group discussions, the flow, and theme rotation, along with instructions on room locations. 12:00 Group Photo & Health Break A health break to capture a group photo, network, and enjoy refreshments before the next sessions. 12:15 Breakout Sessions Theme A: Market Trends and Value Chain Challenges Lead: − Dr Alaa El-Kady, General Manager – Research and Development Technology Center Rapporteur: − Martina Jaskolski, Scientist, Regional Lead CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security – Alliance Three breakout groups conducted in parallel sessions, each lasting 45 mins. During these sessions, participants will engage in discussions on the designated themes and are encouraged to actively contribute their insights. Participants will remain in their assigned groups, while the moderators and rapporteurs will move between rooms to facilitate the discussions and capture key takeaways. 30 Time Session Description of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR Theme B: Digital Solutions for Supply Chain Optimization Lead: − Dr. Mohamed El Quarsh – Minister's Assistant on Digitalization (tbc) Rapporteur: − Rania Gamal, Senior Research Assistant – ICARDA/CGIAR Theme C: Enhancing Market Access and E- commerce Lead − Ramy Boujawdeh, COO – Berytech Rapporteur: − Adham Elabd, Deputy Chair – Lotus for Agricultural Development and Investment 15:15 Reporting of Breakout Sessions & Discussion Theme A: − Dr Alaa El-Kady, General Manager – Research and Development Technology Center Theme B: − Dr. Mohamed El Quarsh – Minister's Assistant on Digitalization (tbc) Theme C: − Ramy Boujawdeh, COO – Berytech Participants return to the plenary Kahramana Room, where breakout session moderators will share the key takeaways from the group discussions. 15:45 Next Steps & Concluding Remarks − Dr. Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Innovative Finance – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR Concluding remarks on event outputs, actionable outcomes, and the workplan/timeline of the Digitalization of Egypt's Food Crop Value Chains: Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains’ Project. Participants will be invited to express their interest in potential collaboration opportunities and encouraged to reach out for further engagement. 16:00 Networking Lunch The day will conclude with a networking lunch at the Night & Day Restaurant, providing an opportunity for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and foster potential partnerships. Azim, A. A.; Menza, G (2025). Digitalization of Food Crop Value Chains: Advancing Digital Integration in Egypt’s Key Food Crop Value Chains, Consultation Workshop Report. CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (Rome, Italy): Bioversity-CIAT Alliance.