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In The Spotlight

African Agri Investment Indaba Heads to Durban (Image credit: African Agri Investment Indaba)

Event News

Africa’s agricultural sector continues to face a serious funding shortfall, estimated between US$65bn and US$80bn each year, with current investment covering less than a third of what is needed

Against this backdrop, the 2026 African Agri Investment Indaba set out a clear message that the focus must shift from small scale trials to real, lasting expansion.

Taking place in Durban from 16 to 18 November 2026, the event centred on the theme: "Scaling for Impact: Transforming Private Sector Commitments into Zero Hunger Realities."

Organised by the African Agri Council, the Indaba highlighted that while the platform has successfully linked investors with agricultural projects over the years, the real challenge now lies in turning those connections into measurable outcomes. With the United Nations goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 fast approaching, the urgency to act has become impossible to ignore.

Across the continent, many agricultural ideas have shown promise but failed to grow beyond limited reach. Projects often succeed on small farms or within tight communities, yet struggle to expand to the level required to feed entire populations. The issue is not innovation, but the ability to scale it effectively.

There was also a strong emphasis on the gap between promises and delivery. While private sector pledges have increased, they have not always translated into actual funding or implementation. The Indaba aimed to bridge this divide by encouraging practical deals and structured investment pipelines rather than broad commitments.

To tackle these challenges, the 2026 event introduced four focused forums addressing key parts of the value chain, including market access, trade finance, agro processing infrastructure, and executive leadership. Each session was designed to remove barriers that prevent growth, from limited access to buyers and funding to weak logistics and operational challenges.

Following feedback from the previous year’s event in Cape Town, the programme was reshaped to include more direct investment opportunities. New formats such as Investment Discovery Sessions and a dedicated Lenders Lounge created space for real business discussions between financiers and agribusinesses.

Durban was selected as the host city due to its strong transport links and growing infrastructure, making it a strategic hub for agricultural trade. With early registration already open, the event was expected to attract a wide mix of investors, business leaders, and industry experts, all focused on turning ambition into action.

Cape Town Expo Showcased Strong Voices in Organic and Natural Products Sector (Image credit: Organic & Natural Products)

Agriculture

The Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa brought fresh energy to Cape Town, delivering one of its most engaging conference programmes to date

Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 17 to 19 April 2026, the event gathered industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers for three days focused on trade, insight, and collaboration.

With Standard Bank as the headline sponsor, the event reflected growing confidence in the sector. Deenash Pillay, Head of Small Business Segments for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank, said, “We are delighted to be a partner again this year, on a greater scale, as we believe in this sector’s potential to drive sustainable economic development that benefits communities across our continent. Our vision is to see Africa become a global leader in the organic and natural products space, not just as a supplier of raw materials, but as a hub for innovation, processing, and brand development,” says Deenash Pillay.

The programme opened on Friday with practical sessions aimed at small businesses. Experts from Standard Bank led discussions on financial health, followed by insights into the use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency. Conversations around conscious consumer behaviour and retail trends also drew strong interest, offering businesses a clearer understanding of changing market demands.

Saturday shifted attention towards innovation and export potential. Industry specialists explored the future of the mushroom sector, emerging technologies, and the role of wellness products in modern lifestyles. A panel of trade and development experts shared guidance on expanding into international markets, giving attendees realistic strategies for growth. There was also a focus on regional development, highlighting opportunities within agri processing and sustainable supply chains.

The final day centred on wellbeing and sustainability. Speakers shared personal and professional perspectives on health, skincare, and environmentally responsible building materials. Interactive experiences added a more human touch, allowing visitors to engage with products in a meaningful way.

Reflecting on the event, Warren Hickinbotham, co-founder of the expo, said, "Conversations on the show floor are shaping the future of how Africa grows, processes, and sells natural products. We have built a programme that meets our audience where they are and takes them further." He added, "From government trade bodies to AI innovators to wellness practitioners, the range of expertise on our stage this year is extraordinary. This is what happens when an industry matures and starts asking deeper questions."

The expo reached full capacity, with exhibitor space completely sold out, underlining the sector’s rapid growth and rising demand.

Ethiopia strengthens its place as Africa’s agricultural powerhouse (Image credit: ENA)

Agriculture

Ethiopia is steadily reinforcing its reputation as a major force in African agriculture, now recognised as the continent’s top wheat producer and the largest producer and exporter of coffee

This milestone was highlighted by Agriculture State Minister Professor Eyasu Elias during the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) meeting in Addis Ababa, marking the organisation’s 20th anniversary.

Professor Eyasu pointed to a clear and determined national strategy that has driven this transformation. Since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office, Ethiopia has prioritised agriculture through strong leadership, coordinated policies, and sustained investment in farmers. These efforts have helped the country shift towards more climate resilient irrigation systems, particularly in wheat production, while maintaining its global reputation for high quality coffee.

He emphasised that these achievements closely reflect AGRA’s mission to improve seed systems, boost productivity, expand market access, and build resilient agricultural frameworks. The organisation has also played a key role in strengthening Ethiopia’s value chains across crops such as wheat, oilseeds, rice, and sorghum, alongside improving institutional and policy capacity.

AGRA Board Chairman Hailemariam Dessalegn, said, "This remains as relevant today as it was then as agriculture serves as the backbone of most African economies, and the continent's prosperity depends on the success of its farmers," the Board Chairman stressed. He further noted that Ethiopia stands out as a model, with agriculture contributing more than 30 percent of its GDP, supporting most of the population, and driving export growth.

AGRA President Alice Ruhweza, said, "We must continue to strengthen the systems that enable agriculture to deliver from policy, institutions, research, innovation, to markets that all function effectively. It also means ensuring that partners are not only working together, but aligned around clear priorities and tangible results."

African Farming

Without food safety, there is no food security

AF FEAGAccording to EatSafe research, pandemic safety measures has been widely adopted in traditional food markets in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Nigeria

In 2015, the WHO reported that more than 400,000 people died annually from food borne diseases. In 2018, the World Bank estimated that food safety costs US$110bn a year in lost productivity through illness and health costs, with sub-Sahara Africa affected the most. But more reliable and current data is required to understand consumer values and perceptions as well as the impact of poor food safety.

The Interview Cruncher was hosted by EatSafe, the five-year research and learning programme sponsored by USAID and led by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). It was moderated by Bonnie McClafferty, director, Food Safety and EatSafe at GAIN.

The panel was made up of Mohamed Nasser, regional advisor Food Safety and Quality Assurance, World Food Programme, Dakar/Senegal; Prof Olugbenga Ben Ogunmoyela, executive director, Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative (CAFSANI); and Priya Prakash, founder and CEO of HealthSetGo and Youth Champion for Act4Food Act4Change.

Bonnie McClafferty, director, EatSafe, said, “The human and financial costs of poor food safety are appalling yet it is being widely ignored. That has to change and we need to take action now to achieve better health outcomes for the 600 million people who each year get sick from unsafe food.”

“We know the pandemic has promoted new food hygiene practices that can have a positive impact on food safety in traditional markets. EatSafe’s research shows that there is a lot more to do. We’re calling on governments and donor groups to provide resources and further research so that evidence-based decisions about food safety measures can be taken to strengthen traditional markets, to ensure safer foods,” continued McClafferty.

Traditional food market vendors apply COVID-19 measures

In parallel to EatSafe’s core mission of engaging consumers to demand food safety, the programme recently expanded efforts to include gathering key data from traditional markets to understand how they have been impacted by COVID-19 through GAIN’s Keeping Food Markets Working programme. EatSafe is interested in what is needed to ensure the availability of affordable, safe, nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected from traditional food markets in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Bangladesh bi-weekly during the last quarter 2020. Interviews and focus groups are continuing throughout 2021 to learn how consumer behaviour has changed and how resilient the traditional market supply chains are.

“We can build on the fact that safety measures are now a reality in people’s lives. With better surveillance and education regarding food safety measures, consumers getting their foods from traditional markets can help create an enabling environment to start closing the system's gaps and upgrading markets to support the safety of foods,” concluded McClafferty. 

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Event News

African Agri Investment Indaba Heads to Durban (Image credit: African Agri Investment Indaba)

Event News

Africa’s agricultural sector continues to face a serious funding shortfall, estimated between US$65bn and US$80bn each year, with current investment covering less than a third of what is needed

Against this backdrop, the 2026 African Agri Investment Indaba set out a clear message that the focus must shift from small scale trials to real, lasting expansion.

Taking place in Durban from 16 to 18 November 2026, the event centred on the theme: "Scaling for Impact: Transforming Private Sector Commitments into Zero Hunger Realities."

Organised by the African Agri Council, the Indaba highlighted that while the platform has successfully linked investors with agricultural projects over the years, the real challenge now lies in turning those connections into measurable outcomes. With the United Nations goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 fast approaching, the urgency to act has become impossible to ignore.

Across the continent, many agricultural ideas have shown promise but failed to grow beyond limited reach. Projects often succeed on small farms or within tight communities, yet struggle to expand to the level required to feed entire populations. The issue is not innovation, but the ability to scale it effectively.

There was also a strong emphasis on the gap between promises and delivery. While private sector pledges have increased, they have not always translated into actual funding or implementation. The Indaba aimed to bridge this divide by encouraging practical deals and structured investment pipelines rather than broad commitments.

To tackle these challenges, the 2026 event introduced four focused forums addressing key parts of the value chain, including market access, trade finance, agro processing infrastructure, and executive leadership. Each session was designed to remove barriers that prevent growth, from limited access to buyers and funding to weak logistics and operational challenges.

Following feedback from the previous year’s event in Cape Town, the programme was reshaped to include more direct investment opportunities. New formats such as Investment Discovery Sessions and a dedicated Lenders Lounge created space for real business discussions between financiers and agribusinesses.

Durban was selected as the host city due to its strong transport links and growing infrastructure, making it a strategic hub for agricultural trade. With early registration already open, the event was expected to attract a wide mix of investors, business leaders, and industry experts, all focused on turning ambition into action.

DLG Feldtage 2026 to showcase practical crop protection for modern farming

IFTEX 2026 signals strong confidence in a changing global floriculture market (Image credit: IFTEX)

Livestock

Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide. (Image credit: VIV WORLD)

Poultry

VIV Worldwide is entering a new phase of global development with the appointment of Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs | VNU Group.

The move signals a renewed focus on expanding the international reach of the VIV brand and strengthening its role as a leading platform for the global livestock and agrifood industry. The announcement also comes at an important time as preparations gather pace for major upcoming VIV events around the world.

The appointment arrives just months ahead of VIV Europe 2026, which will take place from 2 to 4 June at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. This edition is particularly significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, one of the most recognised trade gatherings for professionals across the feed to food chain. At the same time, the organisation is also preparing to launch VIV Select India, which will make its debut from 22 to 24 April in New Delhi, opening new opportunities in one of the fastest growing livestock markets.

Hall’s promotion reflects the organisation’s confidence in her leadership and international outlook. Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, emphasised the impact she has already made within the organisation. "From the very start of her time at Jaarbeurs in 2025, Natasha has made a clear mark on the development of VIV Asia, where her international work experience and strategic vision contributed to growth, positioning and market connection. Her new role sets her up for the next step within the organisation and for further developing VIV as a globally leading B2B platform for the poultry and livestock sector."

In her new role, Hall will oversee the complete global VIV portfolio across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and Africa region. Her responsibilities include the international VIV trade shows along with VIV Connect and the VIV Trade Forums. A key priority will be expanding the global network of exhibitors, visitors and industry partners while strengthening the international visibility of the VIV brand.

With more than a decade of experience in the exhibitions industry in Dubai, Hall brings strong international expertise to the role. "I see VIV as a unique global platform that brings together the entire feed to food chain, and I consider that integrated approach to be an important differentiating strength," said Hall.

Her appointment also comes during a milestone year for the brand. VIV Europe 2026 will celebrate its 25th edition and will also mark the decision to move the event to a biennial schedule from 2028 onwards. "VIV Europe has grown into a reliable and forward-looking platform where strategy, technology and business come together. The anniversary edition in June will once again bring hundreds of international exhibitors and thousands of professionals from the global feed to food chain to Utrecht — a recognised hub for agrifood innovation, science and sustainable chain development."

Zimbabwe Agri venture targets rural growth (Image credit: African Agri Council)

Nigeria’s livestock plan set to drive growth

Crops

Ethiopia strengthens its place as Africa’s agricultural powerhouse (Image credit: ENA)

Agriculture

Ethiopia is steadily reinforcing its reputation as a major force in African agriculture, now recognised as the continent’s top wheat producer and the largest producer and exporter of coffee

This milestone was highlighted by Agriculture State Minister Professor Eyasu Elias during the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) meeting in Addis Ababa, marking the organisation’s 20th anniversary.

Professor Eyasu pointed to a clear and determined national strategy that has driven this transformation. Since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office, Ethiopia has prioritised agriculture through strong leadership, coordinated policies, and sustained investment in farmers. These efforts have helped the country shift towards more climate resilient irrigation systems, particularly in wheat production, while maintaining its global reputation for high quality coffee.

He emphasised that these achievements closely reflect AGRA’s mission to improve seed systems, boost productivity, expand market access, and build resilient agricultural frameworks. The organisation has also played a key role in strengthening Ethiopia’s value chains across crops such as wheat, oilseeds, rice, and sorghum, alongside improving institutional and policy capacity.

AGRA Board Chairman Hailemariam Dessalegn, said, "This remains as relevant today as it was then as agriculture serves as the backbone of most African economies, and the continent's prosperity depends on the success of its farmers," the Board Chairman stressed. He further noted that Ethiopia stands out as a model, with agriculture contributing more than 30 percent of its GDP, supporting most of the population, and driving export growth.

AGRA President Alice Ruhweza, said, "We must continue to strengthen the systems that enable agriculture to deliver from policy, institutions, research, innovation, to markets that all function effectively. It also means ensuring that partners are not only working together, but aligned around clear priorities and tangible results."

Diana Orembe CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, NOVFEED (Image credit: How we made it in Africa)

Cape Town Expo Showcased Strong Voices in Organic and Natural Products Sector (Image credit: Organic & Natural Products)

Technology

The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.(Image credit: xylem)

Machinery & Equipment

Water scarcity and wastewater management have long been pressing concerns across South Africa, and Xylem, a globally recognised water technology company, has just made things a great deal more manageable.

The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, marking a significant step forward in accessible, practical wastewater treatment for the region.

The launch drew attention from a wide range of industries that deal with the daily challenge of treating and recycling water responsibly. Mining operations, municipalities, agricultural businesses, aquaculture farms, food and beverage producers, paper and pulp mills, chemical manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies are all in the frame as potential beneficiaries of this technology. It is a broad reach, and deliberately so.

At its core, DAF is a pre-treatment and solids-separation system designed to slot into existing wastewater management frameworks. It works as a standalone unit or as part of a larger treatment process, sitting alongside biological treatment, filtration, and water reuse systems to help facilities meet compliance targets and achieve their recycling goals. What makes it particularly attractive is its compact, modular build, which means it can be installed even in tight or congested spaces where traditional systems simply would not fit. Rental options are also on the table, making it viable for smaller operations or those with seasonal demands.

The science behind DAF is clever but straightforward. Xylem's systems use Hellbender pumps to generate microscopic air bubbles that, after the water undergoes coagulation and flocculation, latch onto suspended particles and drag them to the surface where they can be skimmed off. The result is water that is significantly cleaner, with total suspended solids, fats, oils, greases, and biochemical oxygen demand all reduced efficiently.

Three models are available, the RT-50, RT-100, and RT-240, catering for flow rates ranging from 100 to 1,000 GPM. Each unit is built from durable stainless steel, comes with an integrated flocculation tube, and includes a pre-wired control panel that makes setup relatively straightforward.

Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem WSS (AMETI), was candid about what this launch means for local customers. "We are very excited to bring cutting-edge DAF solutions to our local customers. Xylem has introduced our DAF solutions to several other markets, where they have become a big hit among companies of various sizes. They appreciate the logistical benefits of DAF's compact designs and convenient deployment, supported by our expert technicians. South African organisations in the private and public sectors can now also leverage DAF to expand their choices for water treatment and recycling."

The support offering goes well beyond simply supplying equipment. "Xylem's expert staff and our experienced partners customise each solution as required. We deliver and manage components such as mixer tanks, weir tanks, pumps, and conveyors, as well as catwalks and accessories. Our skilled technicians can support on-site staff or run the process on behalf of our customers," added Mistry.

For too long, fully industrialised water treatment felt out of reach for many South African organisations, put off by the cost and operational complexity involved. Xylem's DAF range changes that conversation considerably, offering a flexible, scalable entry point into serious water management without demanding enormous upfront commitment. Whether a business is running a pilot programme or upgrading an established treatment system, there is a configuration to suit the need.

The launch plants Xylem firmly on the map as a hands-on, solutions-driven partner for industries and municipalities that are serious about using water wisely.

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