GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. have played a pivotal role in this resurgence, focusing on quality, sustainability, and consumer engagement. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In 2024, South African raisin producers have indeed made an impressive recovery, achieving a total crop size of 95,000 tonnes, marking a significant improvement from the challenges faced in the previous years 

Companies like GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. have played a pivotal role in this resurgence, focusing on quality, sustainability, and consumer engagement.

The combination of optimal climate conditions, including well-distributed rainfall and ample sunlight, has resulted in some of the best quality and most diverse variety of raisins yet. This achievement not only reflects the resilience of South African raisin producers but also highlights the potential for future growth in the dried fruit category.

The upcoming PR campaign in the UK, led by GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd., demonstrates a strategic shift towards targeting both trade and consumer audiences. By organising activities such as trips for key buyers and trade journalists to the Orange River region, retailer roadshows, and continued media placements, they aim to showcase the excellence of South African raisin production and engage with both industry stakeholders and consumers.

Furthermore, the commitment of GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. to responsible business practices, including human rights, environmental protection, social responsibility, and product traceability, adds a layer of trust and credibility to their offerings. Customers can be assured of not only excellent-quality raisins bursting with flavor but also products that align with their values and health-conscious lifestyles.

Ferdie Botha, CEO of Raisins SA, said, “Customers can look forward to excellent-quality South African raisins this year. They are bursting with flavour and natural goodness, and as they are packed full of nutrients such as fibre, iron, calcium and antioxidants, they are perfect for New Year health diets. We are excited to work closely with customers and bring new consumers into the category.”

The pilot will assess the commercial viability and effectiveness of a business model that integrates mini-grids with agribusiness operations at nine sites across Ethiopia. (Image source: African Development Bank)

The board of directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved US$8mn to support the launch of a groundbreaking pilot mini-grid program with potential benefits across Africa 

This funding, managed by the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), will be provided through concessional loans, grants, and risk mitigation measures to cover up to 50 percent of the mini-grid capital expenditures for the Ethiopia Distributed Renewable Energy and Agriculture Modalities (DREAM) program.

DREAM represents an innovative approach for Africa’s mini-grid sector. The pilot will assess the commercial viability and effectiveness of a business model that integrates mini-grids with agribusiness operations at nine sites across Ethiopia.

The program was developed in partnership with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), which is offering co-financing, alongside Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy, Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Transformation Institute, and other stakeholders.

A successful pilot will lay the groundwork for scaling and replicating the model in Ethiopia and other African countries.

“Water, energy, and food are critical for our sustainable well-being,” said Dr Eng. Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy. “The Ethiopian government is approaching the twin challenges of agricultural productivity and energy access with an integrated approach. We are glad to partner with the African Development Bank, through SEFA, and other project stakeholders on this innovative DREAM pilot. With the long-standing partnership we have with the Bank, my ministry reaffirms its commitment to work with all stakeholders and ensure the DREAM becomes a reality.”

GEAPP’s Interim CEO, Joseph Ng'ang'a, said, “GEAPP was created to address two of the defining challenges of our time – ending energy poverty and tackling the climate crisis through a just transition to renewable energy, and DREAM is a great example. Leveraging on strategic partnerships to implement the programme, DREAM communities won’t just get electrification, but will also get reliable power for irrigation and clean drinking water. The programme will also enable the local economy to create enormous value and accelerate rural development for close to 300,000 people.”

ORA Technology focuses on converting Agri-Forest materials into high-quality, eco-friendly products for organic farming markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Based in South Africa, Ora Technologies Pty stands at the forefront of developing sustainable biorefinery solutions

The company focuses on converting Agri-Forest materials into high-quality, eco-friendly products for organic farming markets. In partnership with the CSIR, Ora Technologies has embarked on a groundbreaking pilot study aimed at enhancing soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and water treatment through the production of bio-chemicals, bio-oils, bio-char, and activated carbon.

Ora Technologies has developed a diverse range of products that target the enhancement of soil health and productivity, addressing the rising demand for organic farming solutions.
Its pilot products have shown significant potential in improving environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on harmful chemical inputs.
Is pioneering efforts to localize the production of essential bio-inputs, creating jobs, and promoting gender equality and youth participation within the community.
Collaborating with leading scientific institutions and grounded in extensive research and development, Ora Technologies has established a robust foundation for its innovative biorefinery project. This initiative not only addresses critical environmental issues but also supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Ora Technologies is seeking seed funding of US$125,000 to scale up its operations and enhance its market reach. This funding will support:

Marketing efforts, including participation in major 2024 industry events, promotional materials, and website development.
Legal and operational infrastructure to solidify supply and distribution channels and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Office and administrative needs to maintain efficient daily operations and facilitate stakeholder engagement.

Ora Technologies aims to attract investors who are passionate about sustainable development and wish to join in transforming the Agri-Forest sector. This investment opportunity promises not only a competitive return but also the chance to be part of a solution to pressing global environmental challenges.

Solomon Billy Ndlovu, founder and CEO of Ora Technologies, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in agricultural innovation. With over 15 years of farming experience and four years dedicated to biorefinery development, Solomon has expertly guided Ora Technologies through significant growth phases. He can be reached at +27 (0) 67 368 9277 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The African Agri Council (AAC)’s Investment Discovery Sessions (IDS) are an important component of the African Agri Investment Indaba, an annual event that brings together the brightest minds and leading stakeholders in the African agriculture sector. The Indaba serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and investment, drawing attention to the most innovative and competitive projects in African food and agriculture. Specifically designed for accredited investors and financial institutions, the IDS represent the ultimate hunting ground for investment-ready food and agri projects.

At the heart of our success are two fundamental objectives: (i) to identify investment-ready opportunities across the entire value chain and (ii) to accurately match these opportunities with our engaged investor and financial community. Through the IDS, we have established the ideal match-making and deal-making platform, facilitating meaningful connections and fostering lucrative partnerships among our partners and members.

Verdi’s AI-powered devices are designed to transform existing farm infrastructure into smart systems, leading to significant water savings and sustainable farming. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

NEC X, the innovation accelerator from Silicon Valley, supported by the advanced technology portfolio of NEC, has announced its latest investment in Verdi Expeditions Inc., the pioneer in scalable farm automation and bespoke plant health care solutions 

In addition to the financial commitment, NEC X will work in tandem with Verdi to further develop its technology and extend its reach geographically, while also supporting NEC’s CropScope initiative. This joint endeavor aims to advance irrigation methods on Portuguese farms in collaboration with Kagome Co., Ltd, and concurrently, CropScope will enhance Verdi’s farm automation technology and increase its support for agricultural production.

This partnership and collective effort are in line with the objectives of NEC X’s Elev X! programs, which aim to create strategic partnerships that bridge technological divides, foster innovation, and expedite the global adoption of pioneering startups.

Furthermore, this marks Verdi’s inclusion in the Elev X! Boost program, which offers startups poised for substantial growth a tailored mix of capital, strategic partnerships, and integration with NEC’s vast technological ecosystem.

Shintaro Matsumoto, president and CEO of NEC X, emphasised the necessity for innovative and sustainable agricultural infrastructure in light of the growing severity of weather conditions and global resource shortages. He reaffirmed NEC X’s commitment to this critical issue through the strategic investment in Verdi, whose cutting-edge solutions are expected to revolutionise farming practices. He is confident that Verdi will have a significant and lasting impact as part of the Elev X! Boost and the CropScope initiative.

Arthur Chen, CEO and Co-founder of Verdi, expressed that the strategic partnership, collaboration, and integration with NEC X are invaluable as they enhance their AI capabilities and expand their platform to new markets. With NEC’s global presence and deep industry knowledge, he believes they are well-positioned to become a global leader. He views NEC X’s support as more than just an investment; it is a partnership dedicated to the success of startups.

Established in 2020 by Canadian entrepreneurs Arthur Chen and Roman Kozak, Verdi is at the forefront of developing modern agricultural automation tools and addressing the scalability challenges that have historically impeded the widespread adoption of farm automation.

Verdi’s smart devices upgrade existing agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, into intelligent systems capable of AI-driven automation. This enables farmers to increase the productivity of crops and workforce while substantially lowering the costs of adopting new technologies. Verdi has also made a sustainable impact on its clients, which include some of the largest food brands globally, saving them over 30 million liters of water in 2023.

This recent investment aligns with NEC’s longstanding dedication to promoting sustainable and profitable farming practices. This commitment is exemplified by the development of the AI-powered agricultural ICT platform “CropScope,” and the formation of joint ventures like DXAS Agricultural Technology LDA with Kagome Co., Ltd.

With this investment, NEC X joins an esteemed group of investors in Verdi, including SVG Ventures, a key player in NEC X’s expanding partner network that provides startups with essential expertise, resources, and opportunities for growth. SVG Ventures played a pivotal role in introducing Verdi at the THRIVE accelerator demo day in Calgary, a highlight of Stampede 2023.