The Border-Kei Chamber of Business officially launched the first ever Africa Agricultural Indaba at the Regent Hotel on Friday.
The launch marked the formal introduction of a three-day event scheduled for May 20 to 22.
The event is aimed at engaging stakeholders, partners, and the public on the opportunities the indaba will bring to the Eastern Cape’s agricultural sector.
Speaking to the Go! at the launch, chamber executive director Lizelle Maurice said the Indaba was designed to stimulate growth in the province’s agricultural sector by creating economic linkages across the value chain, promoting job creation and enterprise development.
Maurice said the indaba would also showcase opportunities in agri-processing and agribusiness, encouraging agritourism, and connecting farmers, investors, government, and industry stakeholders.
“This indaba is critical for linking local food producers with the right markets and sustaining strong business relationships,” Maurice said.
“If all the countries we invited attend, we want to ensure they are connected to the relevant farmers.
“Attendees can look forward to a lot, including international delegates.
“We are in talks with some embassies and we want to showcase what our country can produce and export to their countries.”
Maurice emphasised that the event was about intentional economic development.
“We need to think differently. It is not right that we have the highest unemployment rate.
“What resources do we have that we can explore? We have land, beautiful beaches, and great restaurants.
“We need to intentionally expose and unlock the potential of agriculture and agro-processing.”
The chamber’s Agriculture and Agro-Processing Committee will partner with government departments, development agencies, and industry players to ensure the indaba’s success.
A dedicated website will soon allow businesses and organisations to book exhibition spaces, register to attend, explore sponsorship packages, and apply for partnership opportunities.
Vuyiseka Majola, from the provincial department of agriculture, said the sector was the growth frontier of the province.
“We see the indaba as an opportunity to improve our integration with the private sector.
“Partnering allows us to leverage our limited financial resources, which are under constant pressure, to assist farmers, especially in rural areas.
“This sector has been neglected but has huge potential to address unemployment in the province,” Majola said.
Sithembile Sirame, executive head of Vodacom Business in the region, confirmed the company’s support.
“We are partnering with the chamber because technology can assist farmers to grow, track, and protect their stock,” Sirame said.
Maurice highlighted the broader vision of the indaba.
“We want to diversify our regional offerings, explore agritourism, and unlock the full potential of the Eastern Cape.
“This event is a game-changer for our economy, connecting farmers, investors, government, and international delegates. It is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth.”
The Africa Agricultural Indaba 2026 is poised to become a flagship platform in the province, showcasing agriculture and agro-processing while creating opportunities for enterprise development and regional growth.
Organisers said further updates and information will be shared in the lead-up to the event.
