A momentous event is on the horizon for the organic and natural products industry, as organisers prepare to launch the very first Women in Organic and Natural Products Imbizo. Coinciding with the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa, this inaugural gathering is set to take place on Saturday, 16 September 2023, at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Under the theme “Organic & Natural Growth Opportunities Africa 2023,” the Women in Organic and Natural Products Imbizo is primed to unite a diverse assembly of accomplished professionals, visionary entrepreneurs, dedicated activists, and influential advocates. It is shaping up to be a landmark occasion, fostering connections, knowledge-sharing, and collaborations within a sector with boundless potential.
Catherine Larkin, the spokesperson for the imbizo from CVLC Communication, elaborated on the significance of this initiative: “The Women in Organic and Natural Products Imbizo is a strategic initiative aimed at spotlighting the myriad business avenues available to women within this dynamic sector.”
Empowering women and growing together
“Beyond that, it serves as a platform to honour and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to this industry. We’re not only facilitating networking and knowledge exchange but also nurturing an environment where collective empowerment thrives, spurring growth and innovation within this niche.”
Larkin says the core objectives of the imbizo are as follows:
- Informing and educating: Delegates will gain insights into the current and future business prospects in organic and natural products, both within Africa and across the global landscape.
- Showcasing triumphs: Accomplished women in the industry will share their personal journeys, recounting their lessons learned and victories achieved over challenges.
- Inspiring and motivating: The imbizo endeavours to ignite a renewed sense of inspiration and motivation among its participants, encouraging them to reach for greater heights.
- Facilitating collaborations: By creating a platform for engagement, shared learning, and collaboration, the event seeks to establish a robust network of empowered women, paving the way for collective successes.
- Advancing market growth: It sets out to champion the growth of the organic and natural products market, advocating for their consumption and raising awareness about their holistic benefits.
A full programme
The preliminary programme of the Women in Organic and Natural Products Imbizo features a compelling line-up, including:
- Unveiling market trends: A comprehensive exploration of regional, global, and African trends within the organic and natural sector.
- Exploring business prospects: A detailed analysis of the diverse business opportunities awaiting women in the realm of organic and natural products.
- Amplifying voices: Esteemed speakers will share their experiences, recounting valuable lessons and triumphant narratives of overcoming adversity.
- Nurturing SMEs: Valuable insights into funding avenues available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within this sector.
- Forging connections: Real-world case studies will pave the way for a structured matchmaking and networking session.
- Celebrating excellence: The event will shine a spotlight on excellence through an award for Female Fresh Produce Farmer of the Year.
The roster of participants is impressive, with luminaries including industry trailblazers like Lorraine Jenks, the founder of Hotelstuff/Greenstuff; Heidene Lawrence, founder of Tubby’s Kitchen; Jane Mackenzie, founder and CEO of 365 Healthy By Choice; and Nobantu Mqulwana, founder of Rising Tide Advisory Services, among others.
Larkin underscored the event’s significance: “By providing a platform for women to share their experiences, exchange knowledge, and inspire one another, we aim to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.
“We believe that the imbizo will be a catalyst for positive change, amplifying the voices of women and empowering them to play an even greater role in shaping the future of our industry.”
Registration for the Women in Organic and Natural Products Imbizo is now open. While there is a R50 cost for Expo Africa attendance, participation in the Women’s Imbizo carries no additional fee. As seating is limited, prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their spots well in advance by visiting this link.
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