IFTEX Nairobi

Tickets are now on sale for Agritechnica 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, taking place from 9-15 November in Hanover, Germany

Organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), this year’s show is set to welcome around 430,000 visitors and 2,700 exhibitors from over 50 countries. Held under the theme “Touch Smart Efficiency”, Agritechnica 2025 introduces a new visitor concept: “7 Days – 7 Topics”, focusing on specific professional groups each day. With all 23 exhibition halls fully booked, interest is high—76% of surveyed potential visitors have already committed to attending.

This year also marks the debut of the digital farm centre – presented by FarmRobotix, showcasing innovations in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. Other highlights include DLG’s Expert Stages, startup showcases, and international networking events. The parallel systems and components exhibition will serve as a central B2B hub for suppliers in the agriculture and off-highway sectors.

New features for dealers include the international dealer centre, business matchmaking, and optional listings in the official event app.

Day tickets start at €29, with two-day and special event options also available. For the first time, tickets include free access to local public transport in the Hanover region.

Visitors can also take advantage of special trains and group travel packages from Germany and Switzerland.

Tickets and the full programme are available at the official website. 

Tanzania’s fishing industry has long supported families, kept children in school, and sustained coastal communities

But behind the scenes, the sector is under serious threat. The problem isn’t natural disasters or predators, but something worse—illegal foreign fishing fleets quietly stealing Tanzania’s marine resources.

According to the Tanzania Relief Initiative (TRI), many of these foreign vessels disguise themselves under local names and operate in Tanzania’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Despite clear territorial boundaries, these fleets continue fishing without proper permits or accountability. The Global IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) Fishing Index has ranked Tanzania poorly, placing it among the worst-performing countries in recent years.

 Edwin Mugambila, TRI CEO has called for urgent action. “Foreigners must pay taxes so the country benefits. Locals should be the ones earning a living from our waters,” he said at a recent press conference. He urged the government to introduce strict laws, involve local fishing associations in licensing, and implement modern tracking systems.

One major concern is the depletion of key fish species. Once abundant and valuable fish like Robusta are now nearly extinct in Tanzanian waters. Mugambila also raised alarm over the capture of banned species, including whales and sharks, with foreign crews taking only the fins and discarding the rest. Many foreign operators reportedly use Tanzanian proxies to appear legitimate while keeping full control.

Despite having over 1,400 km of coastline and more than 61,000 square kilometres of inland water, marine fishing contributes just 1.7 to 1.8 per cent to Tanzania’s GDP. Most fishing is done by small-scale operators using outdated tools. Deep-sea fishing, where the real value lies, is dominated by foreigners. Meanwhile, aquaculture remains underdeveloped, contributing only about 1 per cent to the economy.

Local fishers and entrepreneurs are also struggling to compete. Sarah Mwambu from the Tanzania Association of Marine Entrepreneurs (TAOME) said foreign buyers pay much higher prices for fish, leaving locals unable to match them. “We used to buy at 15,000/- per kilo. Now they offer 40,000/-. We can’t keep up,” she said.

The TRI and local groups are calling for tighter enforcement, better infrastructure, and greater support for Tanzanian fishers. With bold leadership and proper investment, Tanzania can take control of its waters and ensure the ocean’s wealth benefits its people first.

As Namibia’s cities expand and climate pressures increase, urban agriculture is becoming a vital solution

It is more than just growing food – it offers a path to sustainable development, social fairness, and economic opportunity.

In Windhoek and other towns, communities are transforming empty plots, rooftops, and informal settlements into gardens, chicken coops, and small farms. These projects help address major challenges such as water shortages, food insecurity, and rapid urban growth.

Between 2011 and 2023, Windhoek’s population increased by over 65%, stretching infrastructure and services to the limit. More than 100,000 households now live in informal areas, where access to healthy, affordable food is often lacking. At the same time, climate change, rising food prices, and economic hardship have made it harder for families to feed themselves.

Urban farming helps by growing fresh and affordable food close to where it’s needed. It creates jobs for women and young people, and encourages better use of land and natural resources. It also supports several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to hunger, health, gender equality, and climate action. By using ideas like waste recycling, nutrition education, and circular economy practices, communities grow stronger and gain valuable skills.

During the Covid-19 crisis, UNDP Namibia launched the Build Back Better Agriculture Project to respond to food shortages. Since then, it has grown into a wide-reaching programme that supports over 1,300 households and small businesses. It provides access to digital tools for planning crops, solar-powered transport for taking produce to market, water-saving systems, climate-smart farming, and skills training through vocational colleges.

With 70% of Namibians living under water stress, saving water is crucial. Local farmers are adopting precision irrigation, drought-tolerant crops, and modern mapping tools to grow more with less. Namibia can also take inspiration from countries like Mexico, where ancient farming techniques are combined with rainwater harvesting.

To grow further, urban agriculture will need support from government, business, and communities. With smart investment models, it can continue to improve lives and protect the environment. This green movement is about more than food – it’s about securing a better, fairer future.

South Africa's  Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has called on the Department of Electricity and Energy to prioritise the local manufacturing of renewable energy products instead of relying on imports

This came after the department briefed the committee on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Master Plan (RESMP).

During the presentation, the department outlined the key goals of the Master Plan, describing it as a driver for industrial development that aims to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, especially solar and wind power. A strong focus was placed on the importance of promoting inclusive economic growth by involving previously disadvantaged groups, with particular emphasis on youth and women, in the renewable energy sector.

The committee was briefed on several initiatives under the Master Plan. These included the localisation of renewable energy production, the rollout of skills development programmes, and the establishment of proper monitoring systems to track progress. Committee members stressed that the plan should not only address energy needs but also promote job creation and skills development.

Members raised concerns about the involvement of vulnerable communities, especially those in rural areas, asking the department how it plans to ensure these groups benefit from the Master Plan. The department responded by affirming its goal to ensure that at least 50% of job opportunities go to youth and marginalised communities. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify skills needs and expand internship and training programmes.

Regarding local manufacturing, the committee questioned the current focus on training people only for assembly work rather than producing renewable energy components like solar panels and charge controllers. They urged the department to move beyond just assembling and start developing the capacity to manufacture such products locally. In response, the department confirmed that steps are being taken to explore and expand local manufacturing opportunities.

The committee also flagged concerns about regulatory hurdles, particularly a moratorium from the Department of Defence, which has delayed the issuing of letters of no objection needed by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). They warned this could slow down progress in renewable energy projects. The department assured the committee it would work with the relevant departments to address these challenges and avoid any delays for IPPs.

Overall, the committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production and ensure broad community participation.