Yara’s achievements through African projects and long-time presence on the continent were honored at the third annual African Business Awards. Yara received the “Best Global Business in Africa” award, ahead of four major international competitors.
“Receiving this award is a great acknowledgment of our way of doing business. In Africa, Yara has had a longstanding presence, and we are dedicated to developing further business opportunities. I would like to express my gratitude for the reward,” says Egil Hogna, head of Yara’s global Downstream segment.
The award was presented by African Business magazine and the Commonwealth Business Council at a gala ceremony in London on Monday. Alongside Yara, BMW, Barclays, Anglo American and Diageo were nominated.
The Best Global Business award is given to companies that contribute significantly to business growth and development in Africa. Developing new markets, making substantial investment and introducing best and ethical practices are among the criteria.
“Yara’s operations on the African continent aim at developing Africa’s own food security through a green revolution, supported by our global fertilizer operations and vast crop nutrition knowledge,” says Hogna.
“In addition to our knowledgeable sales organization in Africa, we engage in several business projects and partnerships in support of the African Green Revolution. Yara has been promoting investment orientated public-private partnerships combined with a value chain perspective, taking on the role as a catalyst for investment and development.”
“The award gives us an important recognition of this strategy and our performance. I also want to thank all Yara teams involved, and to extend my gratitude to our partners as well.”
Yara’s partnerships and projects in Africa include the Tanzanian and Mozambican Agricultural Growth Corridors, the Ghana Grains Partnership and Malawi and Tanzania Agricultural Partnerships. Yara is also a strategic partner in the African Green Revolution Forum to take place in Accra, Ghana 2-4 September 2010. Yara’s business in Africa dates back to 1929, when the first shipment of fertilizers was sent from Norway. We established a regional office in 1985, and now sell fertilizer to about 40 African countries.
About Yara International
Yara International ASA is the world's leading chemical company that converts energy, natural minerals and nitrogen from the air into essential products for farmers and industrial customers. As the number one global supplier of mineral fertilizers, we help provide food for a growing world population. Our industrial product portfolio includes environmental protection agents that prevent air pollution. Yara's global workforce of 7600 employees represents the great diversity and knowledge that enables Yara to remain a leading performer in the industry.
Additional information
For additional information on Yara’s business in Africa, please see our webpage: www.yara.com/africa
Contact
Bernhard Stormyr, Information Manager, Yara International ASA
Cellular: +47 90 10 76 85
E-mail: Bernhard.Stormyr@yara.com