The 5th annual Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba, hosted by Food for Mzansi in Pretoria, brought together hundreds of young farmers from across South Africa and the continent in a powerful show of ambition, resilience and growing influence in the agricultural sector.
Held at Choose Life Church, the two-day gathering attracted nearly 2,000 participants, with young producers, agro-processors and industry stakeholders converging to engage on some of the most pressing issues shaping agriculture today. Key discussions focused on access to land and finance, climate resilience, agricultural insurance, agro-processing, market access, export readiness and the impact of global conflicts on farming systems.
This year’s Indaba was held under the banner of the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer, a theme that was not only symbolic but visibly reflected throughout the event. Women took centre stage as moderators, speakers, and participants, setting the tone with confidence and authority across panel discussions and engagements.
According to Ivor Price, the co-founder of Food For Mzansi, the strength of the Indaba lies in its ability to bring together diverse players in agriculture to shape a shared future.
“This event is a space where energy meets experience, where collaboration replaces competition, and where the next generation of African agriculture finds both its voice and its confidence.
“For long time, top players have told us that mzanzi young farmers indaba is Africa’s biggest event for young farmers and agro processors and for the first time, I believe it,” he said.
Speakers throughout the event emphasised the urgency of action within the sector. Sydney (Land Bank Chief Strategy Officer) encouraged young farmers to move forward despite uncertainty.
“Farmers should not wait for perfect conditions because agriculture has never operated under perfect conditions,” he noted.
South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, highlighted both the progress and persistent challenges within the sector.
“While there is much to celebrate, issues such as access to finance, climate change, and building resilient agri-food systems remain critical if we are to grow the economy and create jobs,” he said.
He further pointed to global disruptions affecting fertilizer supply and export markets, stressing that collaboration would be key to overcoming these barriers.
The conversation around structural reform was further deepened by Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the National Assembly, who called for bold changes to improve land access for women and youth.
“We must rethink land tenure systems, funding models, and support structures if we are serious about empowering young farmers,” she said, noting that many young people lack inherited assets, limiting their access to finance.
“We have moved from the days when women only acquired land through marriage or male figures in families.”
“In farming, women now can approach traditional leaderships in their own right to be given land”, Didiza further requested the government to work towards customary systems to ensure access of land by women and youth.
“I want to believe that there have been major achievements that have been made in past years, Government and civil societies can do more to ensure that land reforms in South Africa is realised without failure.”
Beyond policy discussions, the Indaba created space for practical engagement, networking, and business development. Farmers and entrepreneurs showcased a wide range of products and services, including livestock, agro-processing goods, flowers, farming equipment, and agricultural services. The exhibition area became a hub of interaction, learning, and collaboration.
Participants from across the continent shared their experiences and aspirations. A young farmer from Kenya described the event as a valuable learning platform:
“I believe there is a lot we can learn from South Africa. This conference is a breakthrough for knowledge exchange.”
Local farmers echoed similar sentiments. Pretoria-based crop farmer Dineo Mphahlele highlighted the importance of connection and collaboration:
“This platform allows farmers at my level to engage, share ideas, and grow together.”
Entrepreneurs also reported tangible business benefits. Tsegofatso Mputle, founder of Tsegom Creations, described the Indaba as a game-changer:
“I sold all my products on the first day and secured new customers for future business.”
Lesotho was also represented at the event, with farmers gaining new insights and perspectives. Mopeli Molapo, founder of Greenland Agric Farm, reflected on the broader impact:
“This experience is about more than attendance—it changes how you see farming and what is possible.”
The Indaba also featured smaller breakout sessions, allowing participants to engage deeply on specific topics and exchange practical solutions to shared challenges.
Closing the event, Price expressed appreciation for the strong turnout and commitment shown by young farmers across the region.
“This year, we worked across not one but two exhibition centres each packed with opportunities; we had turned away wonderful exhibitors simple because we ran out of space.”
“It was a good problem to have, but next year we must build wider, think bigger and make room for everyone who wants it.”
Ivor further expressed his gratefulness to sponsors, exhibitors, partners and all. “We are grateful to land and agricultural development bank of South Africa, Kagiso trust and FirstRand empowerment foundation, John deere and Johnson work wear for making the indaba in to a living.
“We see you, we honour you, and we champion you,” he concluded.
As the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba continues to grow, it is increasingly positioning itself as a key platform for shaping the future of agriculture—driven by a new generation that is not only ready to farm, but ready to lead.