SIAT Group celebrates legacy and people at SIAT Forward event

SIAT Group (Société d’Investissement pour l’Agriculture Tropicale NV), a prominent agro-industrial entity in Africa, recently hosted the SIAT Forward event to commemorate its rich history, leadership, and the individuals who have contributed to its growth. The gathering, themed “Legacy, Leadership & the Future,” brought together the founding Vandebeeck family, former directors, board members, executives, financial partners, and other stakeholders.

The event served as a platform to reflect on the Group's journey since its incorporation under Belgian law in 1991 by Pierre Vandebeeck. Its African operations commenced with the acquisition of Presco in Nigeria that same year, followed by expansion across the continent, including the acquisition of Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC) in 1995. The evening celebrated the continuity of a legacy that has spanned generations, countries, and communities.

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We are gathered this evening not simply to mark an occasion, but to celebrate a milestone. For decades, this Group has grown across borders and generations through the vision of the founding family and the dedication of those who came before us and those who have carried that vision forward. Many of you in this room were part of building that story. Today is about saying thank you to those who built it, stayed, served, and to those who continue to carry it forward. We do not stand as something new, but as something continued.

Rasheed Sarumi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Saroafrica International Limited and Chairman of Presco Plc, highlighted the event as a milestone, thanking those who built and sustained the business. "We do not stand as something new, but as something continued," he stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the Group's vision. Marie Vandebeeck, representing the founding family, spoke about the importance of people over mere business metrics, stating, "Ultimately, this business was built over many years... This philosophy became the DNA of SIAT, and nowhere is it more visible than in Presco."

She further expressed pride in the talented individuals who have developed within the company, underscoring the belief in building a world-class agricultural business in Africa despite risks and uncertainties. The event also looked towards the future, with Adewale addressing upcoming initiatives.

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When I think of the legacy of SIAT Group, I don’t first think of hectares and tons of palm oil. I think of people, because ultimately, this business was built over many years. Often, in places where building successful companies requires more than capital and ambition, this is the greatest achievement of SIAT. Above all, you need to believe in the future. This philosophy became the DNA of SIAT, and nowhere is it more visible than in Presco. What Presco became today did not happen overnight. It is the result of decades of persistence, investment and the role of exceptional Nigerian organisations. There was certainly risk and uncertainty; that’s part of the entrepreneurial journey. But there was also a fundamental conviction that it was possible to build a world-class agricultural business in Africa. I am proud of the many talented people who joined this company, stayed, developed and assumed great responsibilities.