Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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217. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date on joint agricultural development and agribusiness investments in Ethiopia and Ireland; the other opportunities being explored for agribusiness in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7257/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I believe that Ireland's agri-food sector has a role to play in assisting Ethiopia and other African countries to reach their full potential in developing sustainable agriculture production. During the 3rd Africa Ireland Economic Forum, held in Dublin in October 2013, I met my counterpart from Ethiopia, Mr. Tefera Derbew, to discuss current developments in the agri-food sectors in Ireland and Ethiopia. At this meeting we signed a joint Statement of Intent which encourages enhanced cooperation between Ireland and Ethiopia in the areas of agriculture, in particular continued cooperation in the areas of Agricultural Research and Training.

In follow up to this at the end of October 2013 Teagasc signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research which provides for further close collaboration between the two bodies.

In addition in 2012 the Tanaiste and I launched the Africa Agri-food Development Fund (AADF). The Fund aims to develop partnerships between the Irish Agri-Food Sector and African countries to support sustainable growth of the local food industry, build markets for local produce and support mutual trade between Ireland and Africa.

One project currently under consideration for support from the Fund is a project in Ethiopia which aims to introduce two new Irish technologies, from start-up companies based in Nova UCD. These technologies are complementary and have the potential to create significant efficiencies in the use of inputs in Ethiopian and African agriculture. The project ultimately aims to develop manufacturing facilities and jobs in both Ireland and Ethiopia with a view to supplying products throughout Africa.

This is a clear example of how Irish technology and innovation can be used to develop sustainable agriculture in Africa and I will continue to encourage the Irish agri-food sector to explore the significant opportunities which exist in Africa.

Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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218. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made during the trade visit to Nigeria on agribusiness potential, in view of the fact that some of the fastest growing states in the world are in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7258/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The trade mission to Nigeria took place from 13 to 15 November last. It was organised by Enterprise Ireland and led by my colleague Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello. The visit was part of a wider programme that also encompassed South Africa. The overall aim of the visit was to develop trade in this important emerging market in Africa. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with over 160 million people, approximately half the population of the United States and has a GDP rate of increase of 7% per annum.

Irish food and drink exports to Africa were €526 million for 2012, representing an increase of 7.3% on the 2011 figure of €490million. The main components of the trade are Dairy Ingredients (Skimmed Milk Powder and Whole Milk Powder), Pelagic fish and Beverages. Nigeria is by far the largest market accounting for €170 million: dairy exports reached €100million and seafood €68 million and it is becoming a hub for Irish companies wanting to expand their exports into the ECOWAS economic bloc.

Bord Bia participated in the trade visit with a view to supporting Irish companies already present in this market, identifying new business opportunities, assisting Irish industry regarding certain export constraints and endorsing the Kerry Group during their official opening of a new office in Lagos.