Agricultural producers and agribusinesses seeking financing, stronger market links, and development opportunities will have the chance to meet key stakeholders at the Annual Agda Stakeholder Engagement Conference, taking place on October 22–23, 2026.
The event will be held at the Birchwood & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng, under the theme 'Reducing Commercialization of the Value Chain: Capital, Risk, and Inclusive Growth.' The two-day conference will bring together farmers, government representatives, financiers, insurance companies, and industry organizations to discuss obstacles to agricultural growth and practical methods for supporting commercialization.
Thursday, October 22, will focus on unlocking the potential of agricultural commercialization. The event will commence with opening remarks from Agda Board Chairman, Dr. Matthieu Fosse, and an overview of the agency's activities presented by CEO Leona Archari.
An introductory keynote speech on the South African agricultural landscape will be delivered by Vandile Sichlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land Reform, and Chief Economist of Agbiz. A panel featuring Theo Boshoff, CEO of Agbiz; Tobias Doier, CEO of Grain SA; and Muketsa Ramasodi, Director of Agriculture, will examine issues of increasing inclusivity and efficiency within the agricultural value chain.
Logistics and infrastructure will also receive significant attention. Transnet Group CEO Michelle Phillips will provide strategic insights before a panel discusses challenges related to connecting producers to markets and efficiently transporting agricultural products throughout the value chain. In the afternoon, delegates can choose between sessions on agricultural finance, insurance, and regenerative agriculture, or participate in the Agda Agricultural Enterprise Pitch Competition.
Discussions on financing will cover funding needs and barriers to capital access, with participation from representatives of the South African Banking Union, Absa, Land Bank, Masimong Group Holdings, and Nedbank. The insurance session will address agricultural risk protection, involving representatives from Hollard Insure, Santam Insurance, King Price, and Agda Agrisure Brokers. Another session will concentrate on regenerative agriculture and the necessary support for establishing sustainable farming systems. The pitch competition will showcase agricultural enterprises and their growth ambitions; the winner will be announced during the evening cocktail and networking event, which will also include an awards ceremony.
Friday, October 23, will be dedicated to market access, partnerships, and practical steps. Following the annual general meeting of Agda members, the conference program will open to non-member delegates.
Phumulani Ratshitanga, CEO of Fruit South Africa, will deliver a keynote address on agricultural markets, after which a panel will discuss how businesses can establish sales channels. Panel participants will include Cedric Nefave from Joburg Market, Francois Knowles from Agricultural Produce Agents Council, Dr. Boitsheko Ntsabele from Citrus Growers Association, and farmer-entrepreneur Pitsa Sekhoto.
The discussion will touch upon market access, quality requirements, regulatory compliance, building reliable supplier relationships, and the gap between producers and buyers. For farmers targeting formal markets, understanding these requirements is critical for building buyer relationships and ensuring stable supply. The program will then move to the commercialization of the value chain, with input from Wuyiswy Ramkgopy, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in Gauteng.
A closing panel titled 'Closing the Gap' will bring together perspectives from government, the financial sector, farmer organizations, and agricultural enterprise development. Speakers will include Kenelwe Mabona from the Public Investment Corporation, A. J. Mthembu, President of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa, Fakimale Madonsela from the National Empowerment Fund, and farmer and entrepreneur Dr. Dan Mosia. The panel will review shortcomings in financing, risk protection, and market access, as well as opportunities to strengthen partnerships. Archari will conclude the conference with final remarks and lunch, outlining Agda's next steps.
Agda utilizes the results of the conference survey to guide discussions and help connect delegates according to their needs, interests, and potential contributions to the agricultural value chain. Participants may share their priorities and explore relevant connections, although individual meetings or financing agreements are not guaranteed.
For farmers and agribusinesses, the conference offers an opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders, discuss practical challenges, and explore support for sustainable commercial growth. The event takes place at the Birchwood & OR Tambo Conference Centre, located at 44 View Point Road, Bartlett, Boksburg, Gauteng.
