This study is an appraisal of private sector investment in agribusiness and agro-industries in sub-
Saharan Africa (SSA). It forms part of a larger analysis and work plan of agricultural investment
by the Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division (AGS) of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other divisions of the Organization. The study
aims to provide a holistic and comprehensive overview of private sector participation in the
agricultural sector beyond the involvement of transnational corporations (TNCs) in primary
production, which was the focus of the recent World Investment Report of the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD, 2009). Specifically, the objectives of the
study are:

• to take stock of private agribusiness investment in SSA;

• to analyse factors that propel or constrain investments in the sector, which includes a
synthesis of policies and strategies relevant to the sector; and

• to appraise and describe innovative public sector policies, programmes and institutions for
stimulating additional private sector agribusiness investment.