The Agbiz Congress 2024, which took place from 5 to 7 June at Sun City in North West, was an important event for businesses in the agricultural sector to discuss domestic and global challenges.
The main theme was “Sustaining growth in a changing global landscape”, focusing on issues like political instability, geopolitical tensions, and ways to grow agricultural markets.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of Agbiz, remarked, “The selection of speakers and subject focus of various sessions mirrored the challenges of the day, including political uncertainty, rising geopolitical tensions, a desire to expand agricultural markets, economic conditions, and ways of improving the efficiency of network industries.”
“The Agbiz Congress has become a key event in the agricultural calendar,” stated Theo Boshoff, CEO of Agbiz.
“Under the theme ‘Sustaining growth in a changing global landscape’, delegates gained critical insights into navigating emerging trends such as geopolitical uncertainty and trade protectionism, as well as unlocking sustainable finance and addressing activist campaigns.”
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Industry experts gather
The congress commenced with an inspiring opening by former Agbiz chairperson and Senwes CEO, Francois Strydom, followed by Agbiz CEO Theo Boshoff.
Highlights included presentations by industry experts, including Dr David Fowkes on prospective global growth and Prof. Mzukisi Qobo on geopolitics, trade, and foreign relations.
An engaging panel discussion on infrastructure as an enabler of competitiveness was facilitated by Boshoff and featured panellists Zeph Nhleko, Rudi Dicks, Xolani Zwane, and Dr Andrew Shaw.
The congress also hosted the Student Case Study Competition, focusing on “The resilience and revival of the South African wine industry”, and concluded with successful breakaway sessions exploring emerging challenges and opportunities in international trade and sustainable agricultural finance.
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