Young people explored career paths, business opportunities and innovations shaping the future of agriculture at Agri Youth Day 2026, held at the Brits Sports Grounds in Madibeng, North West.
By Maphuti Mongatane, business development manager at African Farming
The future of food is not somewhere far away. It was on display at Brits Sports Grounds on 23 June, where young people gathered for Agri Youth Day 2026 under the theme The Future of Food Begins With You.
The event connected young people with industry leaders, government representatives, businesses and opportunities in agriculture. Learners, aspiring farmers and young entrepreneurs were encouraged to see agriculture not as an old-fashioned career path but as a modern industry driven by innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and food security.
The programme brought together voices from across the agricultural value chain, covering topics such as local economic development, farmer support, career opportunities, youth enterprise development and networking. A recurring message was that agriculture offers opportunities for a wide range of talents, including crop and livestock production, agronomy, technical services, marketing, entrepreneurship and business leadership.
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African Farming editor Lebogang Mashala welcomed guests and set the tone for a day focused on practical opportunities. Khumo Kwetsane of AgriPrime Consortium shared the vision behind the gathering, and Motladi Modipane, member of the Mayoral Committee for the Madibeng Local Municipality, highlighted the role young people can play in growing the local economy.
The programme also featured contributions by Reggie Mchunu of Pannar Seed; Mike Mokgatsi of the Bojanala Department of Agriculture; Kenneth Malatji of Afrivet; Seithati Monyaki, director of Local Economic Development at Madibeng; Keneilwe Mahuma of the North West Farmers’ Association; and representatives from the National Youth Development Agency and Madibeng Local Municipality.
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A key message throughout the day was that agriculture extends far beyond traditional farming. Young people were encouraged to explore opportunities in technology, climate-smart production, value addition, digital tools, market access and collaboration. They were also reminded that successful agricultural enterprises often begin with identifying a problem and developing a practical solution.
The networking session, exhibitions and stall visits gave participants an opportunity to engage directly with organisations that can support their agricultural journey, ask questions, build relationships and begin to turn ideas into action. They left with a clearer understanding that agriculture can be a business, a career, a source of innovation and a means of building stronger communities.
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Partners who made the day possible
Agri Youth Day 2026 was made possible through collaboration between a range of organisations committed to youth development and agricultural growth.
Pannar Seed and Seedlink deserve special recognition for their contribution and commitment to helping young people understand the importance of quality inputs, technical knowledge and ongoing support in building successful agricultural enterprises.
Recognition also goes to African Farming, PhutiM Agriwise, Rethabile Temong, the NorthWest Farmers’ Association, Madibeng Local Municipality, AgriPrime Consortium, the Bojanala Department of Agriculture, Afrivet, the National Youth Development Agency, and every speaker, exhibitor and contributor who invested their time, resources and expertise in the programme.
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