CEO of Hibarri, Anje Kruger, and former farm girl from Limpopo, continues to challenge the status quo with her tech innovation. Kruger launched South Africa’s first commodity trading that connects South African farmers with international buyers.

Kruger’s journey from the fields of Naboomspruit to becoming a tech millionaire exemplifies her commitment to revolutionizing the agricultural industry in South Africa.

“Growing up on a farm, Kruger developed a deep understanding of agricultural challenges. “We farmed with watermelon, cantaloupe, maize, and soybeans,” said Kruger.

This rich background inspired her to integrate agricultural commodities into Hibarri. The platform arose from her experience supplying diesel to farmers and recognizing their struggles in accessing international markets. “Starting Hibarri was about more than just helping out the farmers,” Kruger said.

Kruger emphasizes that her business expertise is fundamentally driven by her commitment to enhancing the South African economy and improving people's lives.

She reflects on her upbringing on a farm, where handling heavy equipment instilled in her a strong sense of perseverance and resilience, qualities that have been crucial in her path to becoming a leader and entrepreneur.

The young businesswoman explains that her farm life experiences, which required her to be self-reliant, pushed her to be innovative, ultimately leading her to explore coding and embark on a career as a tech entrepreneur.

Kruger's journeys to the Middle East unveiled even greater prospects and broadened her perspective on the vast opportunities available for trade and industry within Africa.

“The whole Middle East does not grow their own food because they live in the desert,” said Kruger.

“Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia heavily rely on imports, while South Africa boasts an abundance of agricultural produce. We have oranges, bananas, pecans, corn, and a little bit of everything. The only problem is access to the retailers on that side,” she added.

This realization drove her to create the International Commodity Summit 2025, an event designed to connect South African farmers and miners with global buyers, including major food companies eager to source raw materials directly.

Kruger expresses that the goal for the International Commodity Summit 2025 is to achieve unprecedented milestones, emphasizing that adhering to a well-defined vision for the company's future is essential for maintaining progress.

"People may question the vision and consider the main objectives unattainable, but I must remain focused on the reasons this must succeed," Kruger said.

Hibarri aims to connect local producers with global markets, enabling South African farmers to prosper. Kruger is confident that this effort will elevate South Africa to a significant position in the global commodity market, asserting that innovation is crucial for transforming the South African economy.

"This nation is on the verge of becoming a major player in commodities," she declared, assured of the potential for growth and achievement.

"I have been inspired by Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Larry Page, who all share a commitment to being different and challenging existing creations. There is an opportunity for innovation somewhere in the world, and our task is to identify and seize it," Kruger said.

For further information on The International Commodity Summit 2025, including registration details, sponsorship opportunities, and the full agenda, please visit [https://internationalcommoditysummit.com/].

Grecia Mgolombane, Journalist

About the International Commodity Summit 2025

The International Commodity Summit 2025 is a premier event that convenes top economic experts, government officials, and industry leaders from across the globe. This year’s summit specifically addresses the challenges faced due to shifts in U.S. economic policies, with an emphasis on mitigating the negative effects on nations such as South Africa. Participants will engage in rich dialogue, share successful strategies, and foster international cooperation aimed at rebuilding economic stability.