Event News

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

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.

Feed & Food Show 2026: exploring the future of indoor agriculture (Image credit: Inhouse Farming)

Feed & Food Show will return from 10 to 13 November 2026 in Hanover, Germany, as part of EuroTier, bringing fresh attention to the future of agriculture and food systems.

Organised by the DLG, this global B2B platform is designed to present new ideas and practical solutions in indoor production. With a strong focus on Controlled Environment Agriculture, the event creates space for meaningful discussion, innovation, and collaboration across sectors.

Set within one of the world’s leading trade fairs for livestock and farming, the show works alongside EuroTier and EnergyDecentral to support modern agri food systems. It offers a well structured technical programme built around four theme days, each exploring a key area of indoor farming while encouraging knowledge sharing and industry connections.

The opening day highlights mushroom production and its growing role as a scalable indoor system. From cultivation techniques to market opportunities, the sessions look closely at how mushrooms can be produced efficiently. Attention is given to climate control, automation, and the use of modern systems such as containers and modular farms, all of which help improve productivity and stability.

The second day turns to aquaculture, focusing on fish, shrimp, and algae production under controlled conditions. It presents how recirculating systems and advanced technologies make production more efficient and sustainable. A key feature is the “Salmon Story by Fjord & Farm”, which offers insight into the development of indoor fish farming. The programme also explores aquaponics and ends with an engaging “Aquatic Happy Hour”.

Insects take centre stage on the third day, showing their potential as a reliable protein source. Discussions cover feeding strategies, market opportunities, and the European regulatory environment. Visitors can learn how insect production is moving from research into real business applications.

The final day focuses on “retail & innovation”, examining how new food products can succeed in the market. It looks at consumer behaviour, pricing, and the role of retailers in supporting sustainable choices.

Overall, the event provides a clear view of how indoor farming is shaping the future of food production.

IFTEX 2026: A global gathering for the floriculture industry in Nairobi. (Image credit: HPP Worldwide)

IFTEX 2026 (International Floriculture Trade Expo) is set to take place from June 2 to 4, 2026 in Nairobi, bringing together professionals from across the global flower industry.

The event will be held at the Visa Oshwal Centre, a recognised venue known for hosting international exhibitions in East Africa.

Now in its 13th edition, IFTEX has earned a strong reputation as one of the most influential floriculture trade shows, particularly within Africa. Organised by HPP Worldwide, the event highlights Kenya’s important role in the global cut flower trade while creating a space for industry growth and collaboration.

The exhibition is strictly trade only, welcoming professionals such as growers, breeders, exporters, importers, logistics experts, suppliers, and buyers. This ensures that every interaction remains purposeful, with a clear focus on building business relationships and exploring new opportunities. The atmosphere is professional yet engaging, allowing participants to connect in a meaningful way.

IFTEX offers a complete view of the floriculture supply chain. Exhibitors present a wide selection of products and services, from fresh cut flowers and planting materials to greenhouse systems, packaging solutions, and logistics support. Visitors can also discover new flower varieties and learn about more sustainable approaches to production, reflecting the direction in which the global market is moving.

Across the three days, the programme is designed to encourage both business and networking. The opening day begins with an official ceremony followed by exhibition hours. The second day continues with displays and meetings and ends with a networking evening that gives attendees a chance to connect in a relaxed setting. The final day provides time to wrap up discussions and confirm deals.

With strong international participation, IFTEX continues to attract exhibitors and buyers from many countries. It stands as Africa’s leading flower trade exhibition and remains an important platform for anyone looking to grow within the floriculture sector.

Organic farming takes centre stage at DLG Feldtage 2026. (Image credit: DLG Feldtage)

From 16 to 18 June 2026, the DLG Feldtage event will return to the International Crop Production Center in Bernburg, Germany, bringing together farmers, researchers, and industry experts under the theme “Crop Production out of the Box”.

With more than 300 exhibitors expected, the event will highlight fresh ideas and practical approaches to modern crop production, with a strong focus on organic farming.

A key feature of this year’s exhibition is the “DLG Spotlight: Organic Farming”, which offers visitors a closer look at how organic arable systems are evolving. Organic farming depends on diverse crop rotations and a wide mix of crops, including both traditional varieties and newer legumes and mixed cropping systems. The event will provide clear, practical insights into how these systems can be managed effectively, from choosing the right varieties to understanding cultivation techniques and market opportunities.

Field demonstrations will play a central role, allowing visitors to see real examples of organic practices in action. Trial plots organised by leading agricultural groups will present a range of crop types suited to organic production. Ridge cultivation will also be highlighted as a method that supports soil health while remaining economically viable for farmers. Organisations such as Naturland and other industry partners will be on hand to offer guidance on market access and support farmers who are considering a shift to organic methods.

Innovation remains at the heart of the spotlight programme. Visitors will be introduced to modern solutions designed to tackle current challenges in organic farming. These include soil regeneration practices, climate resilient systems, and camera guided mechanical weed control for both cereals and broadleaf crops. Seeing these technologies in operation will help farmers better understand how to apply them in their own fields.

Machinery demonstrations will add another layer of practical learning, with around 66 machine setups operating live each day. These will showcase efficient soil friendly techniques such as non inversion tillage, direct drilling, and mechanical weed control methods.

Alongside the demonstrations, experts will share advice through talks, discussions, and guided tours, creating a space for knowledge exchange and informed decision making across the organic farming community.