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An AGRA-led matchmaking platform designed to connect agribusinesses with investors and financiers. (Image credit: AGRA)

Poultry

The Poultry Futures Forum 2025 has officially opened in Lusaka, marking a pivotal moment for Southern Africa’s ambition to build stronger, more resilient poultry value chains.

Led by AGRA under the Southern Africa Poultry Initiative (SAPI), the Forum calls for a decisive shift from fragmented national interventions to a unified regional strategy. AGRA stressed that coordinated action is essential to boost production, reduce feed costs, enhance climate resilience and unlock deeper private sector investment while championing innovation and the leadership of young entrepreneurs.

The event has drawn an influential mix of stakeholders, including SADC government representatives, commercial poultry businesses, grain processors, researchers, financiers and agri-preneurs. Their shared goal is to accelerate practical, cross-country collaboration to resolve the structural challenges that continue to hold back the growth of the poultry industry.

This year’s Forum builds on the outcomes of the inaugural meeting held in Dar es Salaam in 2024, where delegates agreed on the need for a shared regional roadmap. Over the past year, several countries have made meaningful progress by aligning national action plans with the overarching regional poultry agenda, showing growing commitment to collective development.

In his opening message, AGRA Board Chair, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, highlighted the momentum already taking shape, stating: “Over the past year, we have seen encouraging momentum. Several countries have developed national poultry action plans. Youth entrepreneurs are bringing new digital solutions to production and marketing. Most notably, we have launched the Poultry Feed Accelerator Grand Challenge – a direct response to the number one constraint identified by producers across our region: the high and volatile cost of feed. This initiative invites innovators, researchers and investors to present breakthrough ideas that can lower feed costs while improving quality and sustainability.”

True to its mission of inclusive growth, the Forum places young people and women at the centre of its agenda. A dedicated Youth Poultry Forum and Innovation Pitch provides a platform to showcase emerging entrepreneurs whose innovations are addressing key industry challenges from feed technology and disease control to climate resilience and market access. AGRA aims to spotlight these rising leaders who are shaping a more dynamic and competitive poultry sector across the continent.

Peter Kapala, Zambia’s Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, said, “The government of Zambia has prioritized poultry development under the eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), in alignment with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Zambia takes pride in its position as a regional leader, particularly in the export of day-old chicks and specialty birds such as quails. The government is committed to creating an enabling environment to strengthen the domestic and regional poultry market, safeguard local producers, and promote value addition. This commitment includes: inclusive policies that empower smallholder farmers, women, and youth, improved access to quality feed, veterinary services, and climate-smart practices, promotion of affordable technology and digital advisory services.”

Throughout the Forum, discussions will explore opportunities for greater private sector collaboration, particularly in expanding regional feed manufacturing capacity and reinforcing input supply chains. Delegates will also examine how climate-resilient production systems and improved disease management strategies can support long-term sector sustainability. These include new genetics and animal health solutions designed to strengthen productivity even under climate stress.

SAPI Technical Lead Alexander Stewart, said, “The Poultry Futures Forum high-level discussions and working sessions are focused on aligning policy and regulatory frameworks to improve cross-border trade and market integration across SADC. Through this coordination, the partners aim to help countries draft and refine national poultry action plans that align with regional goals for food security and economic growth.”

A major highlight of the event is the Deal Rooms, an AGRA-led matchmaking platform designed to connect agribusinesses with investors and financiers. These sessions aim to accelerate enterprise growth across the value chain from feed production and processing to cold chain logistics and packaging ultimately supporting a more competitive and sustainable poultry sector for the region.

Visitors will explore how horticulture can embed sustainable business practices. (Image credit: IPM ESSEN)

Event News

From 27 to 30 January 2026, Messe Essen will once again become the beating heart of the global green industry as it hosts IPM ESSEN 2026.

The world-leading trade fair will bring together the entire horticultural value chain, offering a comprehensive look at plants, technology, floristry, garden features and the emerging trends shaping the horticultural future. This upcoming edition places strong emphasis not only on new products, but on the strategic transformation of the industry itself.

Visitors will explore how horticulture can embed sustainable business practices, harness the growing influence of artificial intelligence, captivate modern consumers and attract the skilled professionals and young talent the sector urgently needs. As Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, explains, “IPM ESSEN is the place where the green sector collectively tackles global challenges – in a practical, international and inspiring way. Our visitors experience not only trends but also viable solutions – from climate-resilient plants and new training concepts to sustainable technology.”

With around 1,400 exhibitors from 45 countries expected, the fair will serve as a major platform for ordering, networking and knowledge-sharing. Familiar industry leaders such as Florensis, Scheurich, Soendgen Keramik and Koopman International will return, showcasing the innovative products and services that continue to shape international horticulture. As in previous years, the exhibition grounds will be fully occupied and clearly organised by theme, ensuring smooth navigation for professional visitors.

The plant halls will display the sector in all its diversity—from perennials and young plants to herbs, balcony plants and cut flowers. A core focus will be plants that can withstand the realities of climate change, including drought-tolerant and heat-resistant species. Hall 2 will welcome the Gardener Forum, offering expert lectures on production, marketing and technology. A new highlight, the Wood Arena in Hall 7, will explore future-proof tree assortments for cities, forests and private gardens, alongside biodiversity-enhancing hedges. Messe Essen will also host the Green Cities Europe Award for the second year, celebrating impactful urban greening projects. Additionally, the Landgard Order Days | Spring Edition return in Hall 1A, providing a compact, inspiration-filled ordering platform.

Technology remains central to the future of horticulture, and IPM ESSEN 2026 will showcase cutting-edge solutions in automation, digitalisation and resource efficiency. The Horticultural Technology Innovation Center in Hall 4 will present forward-looking approaches to energy saving, water optimisation and logistics. The Cannabis.NET special area, led by the University of Hohenheim, will give insight into scientific developments in cannabis research. Hall 4 will also host the Horticultural Information Center, featuring practical demonstrations on peat-free substrates, biostimulants and novel cultivation techniques, and will present the IPM Novelties Showcase, awarding the top plant innovations on the first day.

Country pavilions from across Europe, Asia and the Americas will highlight global expertise and trade opportunities, with participation from Turkey, France, Denmark, Italy, the UK, Poland, Portugal and Israel. A stronger focus on the next generation will be seen through Training Day, the Careers + Future Forum, and the debut Young Entrepreneurs Day, featuring a keynote by musician and entrepreneur Joey Kelly.

Alongside the fair, the Congress Center Essen will host the BdB seminar and the “GaLaBau Outlook” congress, offering professional insight into urban greening and landscape architecture.

Kenya’s mangrove revival stands as a compelling model of regenerative action proving that when communities, technology, and corporate commitment unite, both nature and people can thrive.

Agriculture

Kenya’s coastline is witnessing a powerful shift towards genuine sustainability through an ambitious mangrove restoration initiative supported by Husqvarna Group, veritree, and the Earthlungs Reforestation Foundation.

The programme, which involves planting more than 300,000 mangrove trees, is proving how environmental renewal can go hand in hand with community development and long-term economic resilience.

As Jonas Willaredt, Husqvarna’s Vice-President of Sustainability Affairs, said, “Sustainability is not an abstract concept. It’s something we build, protect and live every day.”

Mangroves are among the world’s most valuable coastal ecosystems. They anchor shorelines, support rich marine habitats, and store carbon at far higher rates than many inland tropical forests. Yet decades of urban expansion and land conversion have severely degraded Kenya’s mangrove belts. Restoring them is therefore not only an ecological necessity but a crucial step towards safeguarding coastal livelihoods.

What sets this project apart is its strong community foundation. Local residents from women’s collectives to youth groups  are central to the entire process. They grow seedlings, nurture mangrove nurseries, and plant the young trees across damaged coastal zones. This involvement provides much-needed income, builds environmental knowledge, and inspires a sense of guardianship over the land and sea they depend on.

veritree’s CEO and Co-Founder, Derrick Emsley, captures this vision perfectly: “Every tree we plant is verified, monitored and linked to measurable impact.… Our goal isn’t just reforestation, it’s regeneration.”

Already, the restored areas are beginning to show encouraging signs of recovery: stronger soils, richer biodiversity, and increased carbon absorption. These early shifts signal a healthier and more resilient coastal environment taking shape.

Flora Awiro, Chief Operating Officer at Earthlungs, reinforces the wider significance: “True responsible development restores both the land and the people who depend on it.”

Beyond environmental gains, the restored mangroves help revive fish nurseries, improve food security, protect coastal communities from storms, and create opportunities in eco-tourism. As Willaredt notes, “Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of healthy economies.”

For Husqvarna, this marks its first major restoration project in Africa and an important step towards its global goal of planting one million trees. Through veritree’s transparent monitoring platform, progress is shared openly, ensuring trust and accountability.

Kenya’s mangrove revival stands as a compelling model of regenerative action proving that when communities, technology, and corporate commitment unite, both nature and people can thrive.

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Event News

Africa’s leading agri investment Indaba returns to Cape Town in 2025. (Image credit: African Agri Investment)

Event News

The 8th Annual African Agri Investment Indaba, recognised as one of the continent’s foremost platforms for agricultural investment and collaboration, is set to return to the Cape Town Convention Centre from 24–26 November 2025.

This year’s gathering will focus on the urgent quest for a resilient, food-secure, and self-sustaining Africa under the forward-looking theme, “The New World Order: A Self-Sufficient Africa.”

As global supply chains continue to face disruption and geopolitical pressures intensify, the Indaba serves as a timely response to calls from the G20 Agriculture Working Group for stronger, more autonomous agri-food systems. The event is expected to draw over 800 attendees, including more than 80 industry leaders, 50+ international investors, and senior representatives from agribusiness, agro-processing, financial institutions, government departments, and agricultural technology firms representing over 50 countries.

Across the three-day programme, delegates will participate in an array of high-level discussions, expert-driven panels, and practical case-study sessions designed to examine how private-sector investment can drive agricultural transformation across Africa. A key highlight again this year is the Indaba’s well-established B2B matchmaking platform, which allows delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors to pre-arrange targeted business meetings. The previous edition facilitated more than 300 high-value meetings, underscoring the platform’s effectiveness in fostering meaningful partnerships.

In addition to the knowledge-sharing sessions, the Indaba will showcase a dynamic exhibition area featuring leading agri-solution providers, ag-tech innovators, and regional investment opportunities. Exhibitors will benefit from direct exposure to decision-makers, while businesses seeking new markets will have access to a strong pipeline of potential partners across the continent.

Hosted by the Agricultural Council of Africa, the event continues to be supported by a strong network of strategic partners and sponsors committed to advancing sustainable, commercially viable, and scalable agriculture in Africa. The Indaba remains a vital meeting point for stakeholders working to enhance food systems, expand trade, and build long-term agricultural resilience across African nations.

Visitors will explore how horticulture can embed sustainable business practices. (Image credit: IPM ESSEN)

EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.(Image credit: EIMA)

Livestock

PRISMA project outcomes in relation to agricultural priorities across West Africa and the Sahel.

Livestock

Nigeria is grappling with a severe livestock feed crisis, with more than 50 million cattle inadequately nourished, according to Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development.

Describing the situation as a critical threat to rural livelihoods and national stability, the minister called for urgent action at both national and regional levels.

Maiha delivered the warning during the opening of a two-day Policy Dialogue Workshop convened to assess PRISMA project outcomes in relation to agricultural priorities across West Africa and the Sahel. Organised by the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food under ECOWAS, the event gathered policymakers, technical experts and development partners working to strengthen agricultural systems in the region.

Peter Alike, Director of the Technical Office of the Permanent Secretary, said, “In Nigeria, we have over 50mn cattle in the hands of rural dwellers, and these are animals that must be fed. So, for us, feeding and indeed, food is a national imperative that we cannot even leave for tomorrow. He further emphasised the wider implications of feed shortages, noting that inadequate nutrition for animals threatens incomes, food security and community stability.

Maiha reinforced the urgency, stating: “It is an emergency because the tangential effect of not being able to provide the necessary feed for our animals has a direct effect on our very existence, rural livelihood and human peace.”

During the workshop, Alike outlined the ministry’s long-term strategy for the livestock sector, referencing a 2025–2030 plan aimed at boosting productivity and resilience. He noted that livestock currently contributes around US$32bn to Nigeria’s GDP, but with effective development, the sector could generate more than US$94bn within the next decade.

Maiha also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, stressing its importance for regional cooperation. He remarked: “If you have a project of this magnitude and you exclude Nigeria, then you are not likely to succeed because I don’t know of any other country in West Africa and the Sahel that has a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development.” His comments underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in advancing livestock initiatives across ECOWAS and the Sahel.

The workshop, part of PRISMA’s efforts to link research and innovation to regional needs, is focused on improving feed quality, enhancing productivity and building resilience in agro-pastoral systems. Maiha’s intervention made clear that securing adequate livestock feed must become a top policy priority, backed by coordinated national planning and strengthened regional collaboration.

SwiftVEE specialises in digital livestock auctions, connecting buyers and sellers of cattle, sheep, goats, and game through online and live-streamed events.

An AGRA-led matchmaking platform designed to connect agribusinesses with investors and financiers. (Image credit: AGRA)

Crops

Act 36 is central to the registration and oversight of pesticides, fertilisers, farm feeds and related agricultural inputs.

Agriculture

South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has responded firmly to what it has labelled “misleading” claims from an agricultural lobby group regarding the handling of applications under the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947).

The department maintains that, far from collapsing, the regulatory system has undergone extensive improvements designed to modernise operations and accelerate turnaround times.

Act 36 is central to the registration and oversight of pesticides, fertilisers, farm feeds and related agricultural inputs. In its latest update, the department emphasised that the backlog and delays raised in public discourse have been receiving focused attention since the appointment of Minister John Steenhuisen. “Upon assuming office, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, indicated that the backlogs and inefficiencies around the process would receive attention,” the department said.

Progress has been notable. In the current 2024/25 financial year alone, 6,617 applications have been processed and completed. Looking back over the past five years, 51,165 applications out of 56,890 received have been finalised. Despite varying processing times from two weeks to 24 months depending on the category the department says it is steadily improving efficiency.

A key milestone in this modernisation effort is the transition to digital systems. The first phase of the online registration platform, introduced in December 2023, now allows applicants to submit and track pesticide registrations electronically. This includes real-time status updates and access to publicly available lists of registered products. Steenhuisen welcomed the shift, noting: “Previously, applicants had to travel to the department's offices to file paperwork manually, a lengthy and often frustrating process. By going digital, the department is eliminating unnecessary delays and creating a 'fast track' for companies that comply with requirements from the start.”

The Minister added that full automation of the Agricultural Inputs Control System will improve accountability and ensure quicker processing for compliant applications. Manual pesticide submissions will end on 1 April 2026, with digital expansion to other input categories planned.

To further reduce backlogs, the Office of the Registrar has increased capacity, including appointing consultants to support application reviews. The current outstanding backlog stands at 5,730 applications, with the majority awaiting technical evaluation across agricultural remedies, animal feeds, stock remedies and fertilisers.

Meanwhile, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) has dismissed concerns about a Rift Valley Fever vaccine shortage, confirming healthy stock levels. OBP has already distributed hundreds of thousands of doses and forecasts the production of millions more through early 2026 to support ongoing disease-control efforts.

The investment goes beyond cassava production.

Kenya’s mangrove revival stands as a compelling model of regenerative action proving that when communities, technology, and corporate commitment unite, both nature and people can thrive.

Technology

South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.(Image credit: Naspers and Prosus)

Infrastructure

Five pioneering African female founders have been awarded more than US$100,000 in equity-free funding after emerging as winners of the Naspers–Prosus Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge, a competition created to spotlight women who are building technology solutions for real market needs across the continent.

The final event, held on 19 November 2025 in Johannesburg, brought together ten exceptional women founders representing a range of dynamic sectors including agritech, healthtech, climate technology, fintech, AI, and sustainable manufacturing. The timing of the finale aligned intentionally with Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, South Africa’s G20 Presidency, and the B20 Summit, amplifying the significance of the announcement on a global stage.

Interest in the Challenge was substantial, with 1,163 applications received from tech entrepreneurs across Africa during the one-month application window. This overwhelming response reflects not only the depth of innovation on the continent but also the growing momentum of Africa’s digital economy, projected to reach US$180bn by 2025. Despite this growth, women remain significantly underfunded, with female founders facing a US$42bn financing gap, a barrier the Challenge aims to help narrow.

Celebrating this year’s winners, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO and Executive Director of Naspers and Prosus, highlighted the exceptional calibre of talent on display. “I’m immensely proud of our overall winner, Esther Kimani, who brings agricultural innovation through AI-powered pest detection solutions, as well as all the finalists who demonstrated their phenomenal tech solutions today - congratulations!” she said. “The winners represent the next generation of technology leaders building viable businesses that solve real problems across Africa and I can’t wait to witness their growth going-forward.”

Her comments were echoed by Prajna Khanna, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President at Prosus and Naspers, who emphasised the potential of women entrepreneurs on the continent. “We received 1,163 applications from across the African continent, and the depth of talent was remarkable,” she said. “These founders are building real businesses with proven models that address significant market opportunities.”

The Challenge, developed with Lionesses of Africa, a community of 1.8 million women entrepreneurs, provides not only financial support but mentorship from seasoned investors, access to institutional networks, and guidance on scaling businesses across African markets. With finalists from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.

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