The importance of agriculture in South Africa, both in terms of food security and as a vital contributor to exports and the country’s GDP, is very much in the news these days as the political landscape is in flux, both here and globally. It is also a time when frontline agriculture is embracing a host of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the growing use of equipment such as drones, to improve efficiencies and thereby increase profitability.
For this reason, the timing of the 2025 Africa AgriTech Conference and Expo, to be held at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria, from 18 – 20 March, is ideal. A host of high-profile speakers, both international and local, will provide plenty of food for thought and vital information for the agricultural community, as well as creating an excellent opportunity for networking among like-minded people.
The organisers have managed to put together an imposing line-up of expert speakers. The conference programme is conveniently divided into three areas of focus – Animal AgTech on 18 March, Plant AgTech on 19 March and AgBusiness under the spotlight on the final day.
“We have worked very hard to put together meaningful programmes for each day and have been most impressed with the positive attitude of those we have approached to participate as presenters,” says Anlie Hattingh, spokesperson for the organisers, Brand Republic. “They are all keen to contribute to spreading the word about the rapidly changing environment, to which all those involved in agriculture have to adapt to.”
One of the highlights of the opening day, when livestock farming is the focus, will be a keynote address by Johannesburg-born Brett StClair, the renowned Rebel Technologist, who spent a decade working in the high end of AI and digital technology in the United Kingdom. In a phenomenal career he has worked and lived in 32 countries. He says he “thrives on the edge” and “fights for progress in agriculture that means unlocking new opportunities to work smarter, not harder.”
Another experienced international speaker on that day will be Carlos Vitor Müller, the Agricultural Attaché at the Brazilian Embassy, who will discuss biosecurity, which he says is Brazil’s gateway to global markets, so will be of relevance to South African farmers who operate in a similar environment to those in South America.
Stressing the importance of food security in South Africa will be Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, whose topic is Food Security for Social Justice.
There will be a total of eight keynote speakers on the first day, so the scope of subjects will be wide, including precision livestock farming, genetics, and animal health. This means there will be something of special interest for every attendee.
The second day, where plant agriculture is the topic, will feature eight keynote speakers who will provide in-depth insights into the latest in crop technology, biotech solutions and the benefits of precision farming.
Martin Jansen, Chief Information Officer of ZZ2 and Managing Director of ThinkNinjas, who will be the first speaker on March 19, summed it up well when he said, “We don’t invest in technology for the sake of it – we invest because it works.”
“Progress in the world of plant technology is moving at a rapid rate and any farmer who wants to be successful in this aspect of agriculture cannot afford to be left behind in terms of knowing what the options are when looking for solutions. We believe Africa AgriTech 2025 is the ideal opportunity for these people to not only stay abreast of current methodologies but also to be able to look into the future, in terms of the skills and investment needed to stay competitive” explained the AAT spokesperson.
The various speakers on Day 2 will highlight groundbreaking insights into how technology can enhance crop sustainability, boost productivity, and drive innovation, all from practical experience. The presenters will provide answers to those who are still uncertain about how artificial intelligence, remote sensing and digital transformation can benefit their farm.
These are the type of topics that will be covered by Pieter Geldenhuys, Director of the Institute for Technology Strategy and Innovation who has titled his talk “Beyond the Algorithm” where he will explain how these digital tools are not just for high-end laboratories but are practical solutions that help farmers make better decisions.
The focus on the third day will be about the intersection of business and agtech to drive industry growth into the future. Besides input from six keynote speakers, there will be a panel discussion that covers the very relevant topic of how South Africa can better position itself for expanded trade with its neighbours and the world, amidst a swing to growing protectionism. The panel has an impressive line-up of political analysts, a chief economist as well as experienced journalist, Crystal Orderson.
One of the speakers sure to make a big impact on the delegates on Day 3 will be Prof. Nick Binedell, the founder of GIBS Business School, who has titled his talk “SA in focus: Predicting the Unpredictable.”
“Africa AgriTech 2025 offers those people engaged in agriculture a unique opportunity to be able to listen to the views of a host of experts who are sure to make a difference in the way they approach their farming in the future,” added Anlie Hattingh.
“The conference has been packaged conveniently over three days with a different focus each day, so it is an opportunity not to be missed if one intends being well informed in one of the most complex businesses on the planet,” concluded the AAT spokesperson.