AgriFund Connect Summit – Meet our speakers (part 2)

In a move to unlock new pathways for agricultural growth and transformation, African Farming will host the first-ever AgriFund Connect Summit on Thursday, 6 November 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre.

Here are some of our esteemed speakers

Keneilwe Nailana-Mabona – Agricultural Economist and Senior Manager: Agribusiness Insights at Standard Bank

Keneilwe leads research across the grain, livestock, horticulture and agribusiness sectors at the Standard Bank Group. She delivers strategic insights that inform decision-making and unlock growth opportunities across Business and Commercial Banking, as well as Corporate and Investment Banking. With more than 15 years’ experience in agricultural finance and research spanning Standard Bank, First National Bank and the Land Bank, she has developed extensive expertise in market dynamics, industry trends and the challenges shaping Africa’s food systems.

Thabo Banda – CEO and founder of Banda Professional Accountants

Thabo is a Professional Accountant (SA) accredited by the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), a Chartered Business Accountant CBA (SA) through the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants (CIBA) and a General Tax Practitioner registered with the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). He is also an associate member of the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa and a full member of the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC). He specialises in taxation for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), audit and accounting, personal tax, litigation support, business valuations, financial outsourcing and bookkeeping. His firm is designed for modern business needs – driven by creativity, ambition and a shared commitment to delivering world-class service to every client.

Mooketsa Ramasodi – Director General of the national Department of Agriculture

Mooketsa is an experienced and goal-driven executive with high regard for attention to detail and he strives to complete set goals on time, within budget and to the benefit of stakeholders. He is a strategic thinker who is always willing to engage on a variety of leadership and management issues. His key objectives in life are to make a difference in people’s lives and to continuously strive to improve workplace capacity and capabilities.

Koketso Baloyi Mofokeng – founder of Diatla Tshweu Farming

Koketsois a rising agripreneur and the founder of Diatla Tshweu Farming, an innovative South African enterprise dedicated to sustainable food production and community empowerment. Based in North West, the farm produces high-quality vegetables including cabbage, green beans, green peppers and spinach, supplying major retailers such as Boxer and McCain. Under Koketso’s leadership, Diatla Tshweu Farming has broadened its impact through a growing nursery and agrochemical supply offering, supporting local farmers with essential inputs and technical knowledge.