Amoakoah Twum presented her research on a soy-gari blend's protein value and commercial viability at Nigeria: Now in Lagos.

The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Program sponsored the attendance and presentations of multiple African strategic partners at the annual Nigeria: Now Conference in Lagos.  Longtime WISHH research partner Leticia Amoakoah Twum and aquaculturist Sofolabi Sofela attended the conference to present research on soy’s use in food products, speak to the increasing strength of aquaculture in West Africa, and discuss new technology installed on many farms with the support of WISHH.

Nigeria: Now is an annual executive delegation from the U.S. led by USSEC's CEO, Jim Sutter. The conference aims to bring together U.S. Soybean industry leaders and exporters with key stakeholders from the Nigerian soybean value chain. The conference provides an opportunity to develop long-term collaboration between the two countries.

Sofela provided attendees with an update on aquaculture trends in West Africa. As aquaculture develops, so too can the industry’s potential reliance on U.S. Soy for feed. Sofela noted that WISHH has begun setting up aeration trials at two commercial aquaculture farms in Ghana. Funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board, the trials are conducted to assess the economic viability of using pond aeration systems in tilapia production. He expressed his belief that they continue to show positive promise.

Amoakoah Twum presented her research on a soy-gari blend's protein value and commercial viability. Amoakoah Twum worked with WISHH strategic partners on training and market research to beef up her product's commercialization strategy.

WISHH’s partners attended the conference with the support of USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion and Foreign Market Development funds. Through these avenues, WISHH continues building strong partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa that strengthen the ties with U.S. soy and explore possible expansion in the region.