The Gauteng department of agriculture and rural development, in partnership with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), has launched a pioneering R100 million blended finance facility. The announcement was made at the 2025 Agro-Processing Convention and Expo recently.
The initiative aims to boost the economy of the province and the agricultural sector with a focus on creating and sustaining existing jobs in industries that are mostly vulnerable.
In his message of support, MEC for finance and economic development, Lebogang Maile, emphasised the importance of agro-processing in growing the economy in Gauteng.
Fund for black-owned agro-processing businesses
The MEC of agriculture in Gauteng, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, said the convention was not just an event, but a strategic turning point for Gauteng’s food economy.
“Through bold partnerships and decisive interventions, we are reshaping agro-processing into a truly inclusive, export-ready and job-rich sector. The National Empowerment Fund – Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Fund is a clear demonstration of this commitment.
“The R100 million NEF–GDARD Agro-Processing Fund, a blended finance facility comprising 30% grant and 70% debt, is targeted at supporting black-owned agro-processing businesses across six priority value chains: grain, horticulture, poultry, red meat, cannabis, and aquaculture,” she said.
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National Empowerment Fund chief executive officer, Mzi Dayimani, said they see agro-processing as a strategic gateway for inclusive industrialisation, rural revitalisation, and food sovereignty.
“This partnership with the department is catalytic; it addresses historical funding barriers by offering structured support, technical assistance, and access to markets. We are proud to be co-architects of a new food economy.
“Already, the fund has received 188 applications, with 32 meeting the full requirements and a further 18 under review. Beyond financing, the fund provides pre-investment support, facilitates off-take agreements, and assists entrepreneurs in integrating into regional value chains,” he said.
Dayimani said no single institution can unlock the agricultural sector alone. “Through blended finance, co-investment, and systemic alignment, we can support black processors to become exporters and employers.”
According to the department, Gauteng contributes more than R78 billion to the national economy through agro-processing, accounting for 5.2% of the province’s gross domestic product.
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