Bühler’s innovation set to revolutionise African Farmers

As Africa’s agriculture continues to grow and modernise, one of the biggest challenges remains the same — how to keep the hard-earned harvest safe and profitable

Recognising this, Bühler is set to showcase its smart silo and grain-storage technology at the upcoming African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII), happening from November 24–26, 2025, at the Cape Town Convention Centre.

The prestigious event will bring together more than 800 participants, including investors, project developers, and government leaders. Their mission: to explore the future of Africa’s agri-food systems and address the economic and environmental forces shaping the continent’s food security.

Bühler’s involvement at AAII is a clear signal of how vital advanced grain storage has become for African farmers. Marco Sutter, Bühler Southern Africa’s Managing Director, said,“As Africa grapples with the dual challenges of feeding a growing population whilst minimising post-harvest losses, smart silo technology represents a critical solution. We are excited to share how these innovations can transform grain storage across the continent.”

For many farmers, post-harvest losses are as painful as poor rainfall. After months of hard work, pests, moisture, and contamination can quickly destroy what was meant to feed families and earn livelihoods. Bühler’s smart silos tackle this challenge head-on. These modern structures come equipped with sensors, monitoring systems, and automated controls that maintain the perfect storage environment. Using Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning, the system can predict and prevent spoilage helping farmers keep more of what they grow.

Why does this matter so much? Africa loses around 37% of locally produced food every year due to transport delays, poor infrastructure, and storage inefficiencies. Add to that the growing threat of land degradation and climate change, which could cut agricultural production by 18%, even as the demand for food may triple by 2050 — and the importance of safe grain storage becomes impossible to ignore.

Bühler’s innovation promises real change. The smart silos provide real-time grain monitoring, automatic climate control, and predictive maintenance that stops spoilage before it happens. As Sutter, said,“The African Agri Investment Indaba connects the full agricultural value chain, from production to processing to distribution … This comprehensive approach is exactly what is needed to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential. Bühler’s smart silo technology fits seamlessly into this vision by ensuring that the grain farmers work so hard to produce is protected and preserved throughout the storage phase.”

Beyond showcasing technology, Bühler sees this event as a platform for collaboration. As Sutter adds, “We view the Indaba not just as a speaking opportunity, but as a chance to forge meaningful partnerships that can drive real change. Africa’s food security challenges require collaborative solutions, and we are committed to working alongside governments, investors, and agricultural producers to deploy technology that makes a tangible difference.”

For farmers across the continent, this innovation could mean less waste, more income, and greater resilience. Bühler’s smart silo technology stands as a beacon of how technology and agriculture can work together to feed Africa’s future — one grain at a time.