South Africa’s emerging farmers are ready to move from the margins into the mainstream, and the third African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo is designed to help turn that ambition into action.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Taking place on 26 and 27 March at Time Square Hotel in Pretoria, this two-day event will bring together more than 200 farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, policymakers, financiers and industry leaders. The goal is clear: To align resources, unlock opportunities and strengthen partnerships that will accelerate the growth of South Africa’s new generation of commercial farmers.
Hosted by African Farming, the Imbizo builds on a strong commitment to advancing black commercial agriculture through information-sharing, networking and development-driven platforms.
A Platform Focused on Solutions
Under the theme “Collaborating for Impact: Advancing New Generation Farmers into the Mainstream Economy”, the Imbizo moves beyond conversation to practical engagement. Discussions will focus on critical issues shaping farmer sustainability and growth, including:
- Access to finance and blended funding models
- Market access and value-chain integration;
- Skills development and training
- Technology adoption and innovation
- Building resilient, scalable farming enterprises
With ongoing pressures such as climate variability, rising input costs and biosecurity challenges like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), collaboration across the public and private sectors has never been more important.
Government Leadership and Industry Direction
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, will deliver the opening address, reinforcing the importance of inclusive agricultural growth at national level. He is expected to speak on post-FMD recovery strategies and outline government support mechanisms for first-generation farmers.
His participation signals a clear commitment to ensuring emerging producers are integrated into formal markets and supported in scaling their enterprises.
Inspiring Entrepreneurs Driving Change
The 2025 speaker line-up reflects the innovation and resilience defining South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Ntuthuko Shezi
Founder and CEO of Livestock Wealth, Ntuthuko Shezi has transformed how South Africans invest in agriculture. His fintech-driven crowdfarming model allows individuals to invest in income-generating farm assets such as cattle and macadamia trees through a digital platform, effectively democratising agricultural investment.
A graduate of the University of Cape Town and former consultant at Accenture, Shezi combines engineering expertise with entrepreneurial vision. In 2022, Livestock Wealth secured R10 million in funding from the Mineworkers Investment Company, strengthening its position as a pioneer in agricultural fintech.
GG Alcock
Entrepreneur and author GG Alcock offers deep insights into township and informal markets. Raised in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, he has built a career analysing grassroots economies and identifying untapped opportunities within them. His bestselling works, including KasiNomics and KasiNomic Revolution, explore alternative route-to-market strategies – lessons highly relevant for farmers seeking innovative ways to reach consumers.
Farmer Success Stories that Inspire
The Imbizo will also spotlight practical examples of growth and determination from within the farming community.
Lebohang Dhludhlu of Nkanyezii Farming grew her poultry operation from just 50 backyard chickens into a thriving enterprise supplying SPAR outlets, schools and hundreds of clients across Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Her journey shows how disciplined expansion and market focus can turn small beginnings into sustainable success.
Bennedicter “Benica” Mhlongo, founder of BeNica Farm near Acornhoek, transitioned from a nursing career into full-time farming. Today, his 10ha SAGAP-certified horticulture enterprise supplies vegetables to retailers and fresh produce markets. Beyond production, he is a mentor and youth advocate, underscoring the importance of knowledge-sharing in building future farmers.
Sizo Tshabalala, founder of Tshabalala Farming, represents bold ambition in action. From selling eggs on the streets, he has grown a diversified operation that includes 15 000 Lohmann Brown layers and manages a 250-head Bonsmara stud herd. His long-term vision is to build a publicly traded agricultural enterprise that creates employment at scale and inspires young South Africans to pursue agriculture as a viable career.
Strengthening International Partnerships
The Imbizo will also host the Embassy of Brazil in Pretoria, represented by agricultural attaché Rodrigo Lopes de Almeida. Discussions will expand on the Brazil-South Africa Memorandum of Intentions and explore opportunities for technical exchange, sustainable production systems and enhanced value-chain cooperation.
International collaboration remains a critical lever in positioning South African farmers to compete globally while strengthening domestic capacity.
Driving Inclusive Growth
This is more than a conference, it is a catalyst for action. It is a space where policymakers, financiers, agribusiness leaders and farmers engage directly, identify practical solutions and build partnerships that extend beyond the event itself.
For emerging farmers seeking capital, markets and mentorship, the Imbizo offers access to decision-makers and strategic networks. For industry stakeholders, it provides a valuable opportunity to invest in and collaborate with the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
As South Africa’s agricultural sector evolves, inclusive growth will depend on strong partnerships, innovative thinking and decisive action. The African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo is at the centre of this momentum, advancing new-generation farmers into the mainstream economy and shaping a more resilient and prosperous future for the industry.
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