African Agriculture Holdings appoints Michael Rhodes as CEO 

USA- African Agriculture Holdings Inc (AAGR), a supplier of sustainable animal feeds and agricultural products in Africa, has appointed Michael Rhodes as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

Rhodes, renowned for his extensive experience in large-scale agriculture across Africa, is set to steer the company towards further growth and sustainability.

Rhodes brings to the table a wealth of knowledge gleaned from decades of hands-on management of over 16,000 hectares of productive farmland spanning eight East and West African nations. 

His expertise in commercial-scale farming, particularly in the cultivation of alfalfa and other forage crops for animal feed, is expected to drive African Agriculture Holdings towards becoming a premier supplier of quality animal feeds and related agricultural products across the West African region and beyond.

Moreover, Rhodes’s track record in securing financing for development projects globally, amounting to over US$1.5 billion from both public and private sector sources, positions him as a key asset in propelling African Agriculture Holdings to new heights.

Rhodes succeeds Alan Kessler as CEO, while Kessler transitions to the role of Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), where he will continue to provide invaluable leadership and guidance to the company. 

Kessler’s successful stewardship has been instrumental in African Agriculture’s evolution from a private entity to a publicly listed company on NASDAQ.

Commenting on Rhodes’s appointment, Kessler expressed confidence in Rhodes’s ability to lead the company towards its overarching mission. 

“Mike brings a veritable lifetime of successful agricultural experience and leadership to African Agriculture’s core mission. I look forward to working with Mike to help build this much-needed activity as a regional and global leader,” remarked Kessler.

Russell Read, Director of African Agriculture Holdings, echoed Kessler’s sentiments, emphasizing the anticipated positive impact of Rhodes’s addition to the management team. Read highlighted the potential to strengthen commercial relationships and attract institutional investors seeking growth opportunities in the West African region.

Ambassador (Ret.) Bisa Williams, a Director at African Agriculture Holdings, emphasized the company’s capacity to drive meaningful, long-term impact on human health and development across West Africa and beyond. Williams expressed enthusiasm about Rhodes’s role in enhancing the company’s capabilities and realizing its full potential.

In response to his appointment, Rhodes conveyed his honor and enthusiasm, underscoring his commitment to implementing international agricultural best practices and fostering collaboration with local communities. 

He reiterated African Agriculture Holdings’ mission to optimize yields, create sustainable job opportunities, and deliver value to shareholders, citing an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.“

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