IBAS focuses on training students and entrepreneurs in advanced techniques and technologies with the overall goal of upscaling agricultural productivity in Africa. The intention of the institution is to scale-up the value added in the agricultural sector and enable production that meets international standards. An Agri-Business Center will provide marketing, finance, and logistics support to the institute.

Training

The Institute will offer a Master’s programme in Agribusiness, as well as training programmes and certificates aimed toward farmers in the region. The curriculum of this programme will be developed in a collaborative effort with government ministries.

Research

Research, training, and production will take place on four hectares of ASE’s land located in Zagnanado (south-central Benin), in collaboration with the Centre de Partenariat et d’Expertise pour le Développement Durable (CePED), EtriLabs, and KulaTech. ASE will research potentially lucrative plant species and efficient growing techniques. EtriLabs and KulaTech will assist in the transformation of products developed and produced by ASE, and to provide technological resources. ASE plans to house a research center in one of its Nigeria satellite campuses.

Production and Transformation

Upon the successful roll-out of the research phase, ASE plans to create an in-house value-adding chain through the construction of a factory.