By Maile Matsimela
The Standard Bank AgriBusiness Transformation Graduation Ceremony took centre stage at Nampo Harvest Day 2025, celebrating emerging farmers and agri-entrepreneurs who have successfully completed tailored development programmes aimed at growing and formalising their agricultural businesses.
The event was held at the Adat Venue, Plaas Tevrede, on 14 May.
This significant initiative, a collaboration between Standard Bank, the University of the Free State and the Free State Department of Agriculture, underscores the commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders amid challenging global conditions.
The graduation ceremony represents a critical milestone in efforts to formalise and professionalise emerging agricultural businesses, providing them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly complex market environment. As graduates received recognition for their achievements, the ceremony highlighted the importance of education and skills development in building a resilient agricultural sector.
Among the graduates was Lesole Mogorosi, who served as class captain for the cohort. Speaking at the ceremony, Mogorosi emphasised the programme’s impact on shifting perspectives about competition in agriculture.
“If you may recall, when we were speaking, we said as South African farmers, we are not competing against each other but with the world,” Mogorosi stated. “And as we are competing with the world, we also need to up our game in our produce, in our quality, in our quantity and in our appearance.”
The programme has created valuable networking opportunities that participants believe will translate into tangible business advantages. Mogorosi highlighted this aspect as particularly beneficial.
“What I thank Standard Bank for is that it created another platform for us as farmers, because it’s another platform of networking,” he explained. “Because of Standard Bank, today I know where to find these farmers that are around this table. So, when there’s an opportunity, I can speak to them.”
Beyond networking, the programme delivered comprehensive insights into agricultural value chains, helping participants understand their position in the broader market ecosystem.
“It also helped me understand the value chains involved in this whole production of agriculture, because we can produce as farmers, but we need to have a market for our produce,” Mogorosi noted.
He further elaborated on the programme’s educational impact: “I think the programme Standard Bank gave was also an eye-opener in terms of where do we sell to, how do we grow our produce and at what quality level should we be.”
Despite these achievements, Mogorosi pointed out that challenges remain, particularly regarding market access. He issued a gentle challenge to the bank: “I think the challenge now for Standard Bank, if I can call it that, is that because we have had all these systems in place, we need market access. So, for us to succeed as businesses, we definitely need Standard Bank to also assist us in that.”
The graduation ceremony concluded with Mogorosi’s heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all participants. “On behalf of my colleagues, I just want to thank you. Thank you very much for this eye-opening initiative. We look forward to a good working relationship with you and expanding our enterprises.”
Nampo 2025, the largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, is hosted under the theme “Global Agriculture, Locally!” This year’s focus bridges international innovation with local solutions to address the mounting challenges facing South Africa’s farming community. The event brings together stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to exchange ideas and showcase solutions that can help farmers navigate current pressures.
The South African farming sector currently faces significant headwinds, including rising input costs, extreme weather events linked to climate change, tightening profit margins and trade uncertainties. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and shifting global trade dynamics have added layers of complexity to an already challenging landscape.
“2025 stands as one of the most significant years for agriculture,” noted Brendan Jacobs, head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank. “We need to align policy, innovation and grassroots execution to ensure sector growth and sustainability. Nampo provides the perfect platform for these crucial conversations.”
Standard Bank, which has maintained a partnership with Nampo for over 56 years, continues to demonstrate its commitment to South Africa’s agricultural sector through practical tools and initiatives. The bank is showcasing climate-resilient farming inputs, platforms connecting farmers to buyers and financial support mechanisms aligned with the realities of seasonal farming.
In a move to expand market opportunities, Standard Bank is hosting Heads of Agribusiness from 14 African countries at Nampo 2025. This initiative aims to promote regional trade, exchange best practices and create new opportunities for South African farmers in African markets. The focus on expanding trade relationships comes at a critical time, as South Africa currently exports over half its agricultural production by value and nearly 26% by volume.
Nampo 2025 has established itself as a key platform for farmer-led solutions and discussions on critical sector topics like mechanisation, market access, financial tools and agri-technology. The event’s focus on practical solutions reflects the urgent need for actionable strategies that can be implemented at the farm level.
The conjunction of the graduation ceremony with Nampo’s broader agenda illustrates a comprehensive approach to agricultural development – celebrating current achievements while actively planning for future challenges. As global shocks continue to reverberate through agricultural markets, the emphasis on education, innovation and cross-border collaboration provides a framework for building lasting resilience in South Africa’s vital farming sector.
As Nampo 2025 unfolds, the agricultural community’s response to these challenges will likely shape policies and practices for years to come, with the graduated farmers representing the new face of South African agriculture – educated, innovative and prepared to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
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