After recently purchasing his first farm, Diketso Phokungwane was the first in line to buy a ticket for the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba, a two-day celebration for 400 of South Africa’s finest young farmers and agripreneurs.
Phokungwane is eagerly counting down the days to the event on Wednesday, 14 and Thursday, 15 June at a soon-to-be-announced venue in the south of Johannesburg. Here’s a little clue: the venue is a world-class facility shaped like an African drum.
The two-day event is presented by Food For Mzansi in partnership with John Deere and aims to connect top talent with investors, funders, and other stakeholders seeking partnerships with the new faces of South African agriculture. It will also feature 30 top exhibitors, including banks, farmer development organisations and leading agricultural enterprises.
Events ‘key’ for growth
The Gauteng-based Phokungwane is eager to learn more about the support structures and programmes available for new-era farmers like himself, saying, “I want to focus on livestock and crops if I receive funding. Events like the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba are extremely important for growing the agricultural sector and assisting up-and-coming young farmers like me.”
He is looking forward to connecting with like-minded agricultural enthusiasts and other role players and hopes to learn about more efficient or cost-effective methods and platforms for accessing funding. When he is not on his farm, Phokungwane is an investment banker at Absa Corporate & Investment Banking.
“The sector has faced several challenges that have mainly affected smaller farmers. Rising input costs, for example, are squeezing smaller farmers out of the equation,” he notes.
The exciting indaba programme, featuring top speakers from both the business and agriculture sectors, will be unveiled soon. Attendees will deliberate on hot topics facing them, including blended finance models, climate change, and access to land.
Who should attend?
At the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba, young farmers and agripreneurs will have the chance to explore the marketplace of opportunities in South African farming and agro-processing. Attendees will have a front-row seat and network with funding decision-makers, including banks and investors, as well as connect with experts who can help them scale through partnerships and fresh thinking.
Moreover, breakout sessions will offer participants the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technologies, financial management techniques, and new opportunities to help them grow and succeed in their agribusinesses.
What does it cost?
Purchasing a two-day ticket for the 2023 Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba for R1 600 (excluding VAT) grants attendees access to an unforgettable event filled with networking opportunities, educational sessions, and exhibitions. Early-bird ticket holders also receive free access to the official welcome cocktail party. That saves you R250!
Register now!
To attend the indaba, interested participants can register online, while exhibitors looking to connect with the next generation of farmers in South Africa can also register their interest by visiting the official event website. For further information, please visit www.farmingindaba.com or contact info@foodformzansi.co.za via email.
ALSO READ: Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba: Register now
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