Africa holds immense potential for agricultural growth due to its vast land and water resources. That said, agricultural productivity remains among the lowest globally, highlighting the need for transformative measures to unlock the sector's full potential.  

South Africa's agriculture sector is a vital component of its economy, contributing to food security, employment, and export earnings; however, the sector stands at a pivotal crossroads, facing climate volatility, limited arable land, and economic pressures while powering national growth. Climate extremes drove contractions of -4.8% (in 2023) and -8% (in 2024), compounded by livestock diseases like foot-and-mouth, rising input costs (e.g., fertilisers above historical averages despite declines), and global trade uncertainties.  

The 11th Agritec Africa (11–13 March 2026, Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg), a major international exhibition and conference focusing on agricultural technology, emerges as a critical catalyst for innovation and resilience. Serving as a strategic platform for industry professionals, farmers, investors and policymakers, this event, co-located with Graintech Africa (grain and milling technology) and IPLEX Africa (poultry and livestock), aims to drive growth in Africa's agricultural sector by showcasing sustainable practices, cutting-edge technologies, innovations in agricultural machinery, farming inputs, irrigation, and agribusiness solutions to boost productivity across the continent.

"As one of Africa's largest economies, South Africa offers a strategic platform for this prestigious international event, boasting advanced agricultural infrastructure and research facilities, strong support from government initiatives, NGOs, and industry associations, and a dynamic sector shaped by global trade, positioning it as a leader in agricultural exports," notes Neeraj Shah, Founder and CFO at Radeecal Communications, organisers of Agritec Africa.

South Africa is committed to sustainable agricultural growth through its National Development Plan, with strategic priorities including enhanced agricultural policies to foster investment, strengthened support services like R&D and education, promotion of marketing, agro-processing, and trade, and leveraging public-private partnerships to drive innovation.

This premier event unites 100+ exhibitors from 10+ countries for B2B matchmaking, live demonstrations, and seminars on precision farming, sustainable irrigation, and agro-processing, directly addressing NDP priorities such as R&D, public-private partnerships, and trade, and strengthening Africa's position as a growing hub for agribusiness innovation and sustainable development.

As the average size of commercial farms increases over time, the adoption of sustainable farming practices, precision agriculture, and the latest technology needs to play a key role in the future, balancing productivity with environmental responsibility.

This year's central theme, Improving Farmers' Income Through Technology, highlights the essential role of technology in driving agricultural productivity and profitability. The conference will explore various facets of this theme, including Organic Farming (strategies and benefits of organic farming practices), Sustainable agricultural practices and their long-term impact on productivity and the environment, Pathways to effectively and profitably commercialise agriculture, and cutting-edge technologies and innovations poised to revolutionise the agricultural sector.

Over the past decade, Agritec Africa has introduced 2,000+ exhibitors to East African markets, generated $ 50+ million in business, educated 15,000+ farmers and students, and promoted innovation in precision farming, agro-processing, and sustainable agriculture.

"By highlighting innovations in agricultural machinery, farming inputs, irrigation, sustainable practices, and agribusiness solutions to boost productivity across Africa, Agritec Africa 2026 serves as a vital catalyst for overcoming our sector's challenges and unlocking sustainable growth for South African farmers and the continent at large," adds Shah.