Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa

Agbiz Congress 2026: Embracing Collaboration for the Future of Agriculture

The Agbiz Congress 2026 brought together leaders from across South Africa's agricultural value chains in Gqeberha for two days of insightful discussions, strategic engagement and meaningful networking under the theme "Embracing Collaboration."

The Congress served as a platform for agribusiness leaders, policymakers, industry experts, students and stakeholders to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of agriculture while reinforcing the importance of partnerships in driving growth, competitiveness and sustainability.

A New Chapter for Agbiz Leadership

A significant milestone of the Congress was the election of Agbiz's new leadership. Members elected PG Strauss as Chairperson, with Lukeshni Chetty and Francois Swanepoel elected as Deputy Chairpersons. Boitshoko Ntshabele and Tobias Doyer were elected to the Steering Committee, while new member representatives were also announced.

The newly elected leadership reflected the organisation's commitment to strengthening collaboration across the agricultural value chain and positioning agribusiness as a key driver of South Africa's economic growth and development.

In his reflections, incoming Chairperson PG Strauss emphasised that the future success of South African agriculture will depend on stronger partnerships between business, government and industry stakeholders. Collaboration, he noted, is not merely desirable but essential for unlocking growth opportunities and addressing shared challenges.

Setting the Tone: Collaboration in a Changing World

Opening the Congress, Theo Boshoff highlighted the significance of the theme Embracing Collaboration, positioning it as a practical response to the increasingly complex operating environment facing agriculture.

Discussions throughout the Congress reinforced the reality that no single stakeholder can solve the sector's challenges alone. From infrastructure and logistics to finance, biosecurity, trade and policy reform, sustainable progress requires collective action, aligned priorities and trusted partnerships.

Delegates heard keynote addresses from Mcebisi Jonas of the Presidency and Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke, who provided perspectives on geopolitical shifts, economic developments and South Africa's changing demographic and economic landscape.

These discussions underscored the importance of ensuring that agriculture remains globally competitive while contributing meaningfully to economic growth, food security and job creation.

Accelerating Structural Reforms

One of the most significant themes throughout the Congress was the need to accelerate structural reforms that can unlock growth across the economy and agricultural sector.

Facilitated by Tanya Cohen of the National Planning Commission, discussions focused on strengthening business-government collaboration, improving implementation capacity and creating an enabling environment for investment.

Speakers highlighted the progress already made through collaborative reform initiatives while acknowledging that more work is needed to improve infrastructure, regulatory certainty and service delivery. Delegates repeatedly stressed that agriculture's future competitiveness depends on the successful execution of reforms that improve efficiency and reduce constraints on growth.

Infrastructure and Logistics: Foundations for Competitiveness

Infrastructure emerged as a central topic throughout the Congress.

Discussions explored the critical role of rural roads, ports, rail networks and logistics systems in supporting agricultural competitiveness. Presentations from leaders in government and industry focused on practical interventions aimed at improving infrastructure performance and reducing inefficiencies that impact producers and agribusinesses.

Delegates agreed that sustained investment and collaboration between the public and private sectors are essential if South Africa is to maintain and strengthen its position in global agricultural markets.

The conversations reinforced the understanding that logistics and infrastructure are not simply operational concerns but strategic enablers of economic growth and export competitiveness.

Finance as a Catalyst for Agricultural Transformation

Another key focus area was the role of finance in driving agricultural development and transformation.

Panel discussions explored how innovative financing solutions, blended finance mechanisms and stronger partnerships between financial institutions and agricultural stakeholders can help unlock investment across the sector.

Participants examined opportunities to improve access to capital while supporting inclusive growth, resilience and long-term sustainability.

The discussions highlighted the importance of creating financial ecosystems that support both established agribusinesses and emerging participants in agricultural value chains.

Biosecurity and Building Resilience

Biosecurity featured prominently in the Congress programme as stakeholders considered the growing risks posed by animal and plant diseases.

Experts emphasised that effective biosecurity is fundamental to maintaining market access, protecting agricultural production systems and ensuring long-term food security.

Discussions focused on the need for coordinated action among government, industry and producers, with participants highlighting the importance of preparedness, surveillance and rapid response capabilities.

The consensus was clear: safeguarding South Africa's agricultural future requires a collaborative and proactive approach to biosecurity management.

Regulatory Overreach and Creating an Enabling Environment

Delegates also engaged in robust discussions around regulation and the broader policy environment.

The panel on regulatory overreach examined the balance between necessary oversight and the unintended consequences of excessive regulation. Participants explored how regulatory frameworks can better support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

A recurring theme throughout the Congress was the need for policies that enable entrepreneurship, investment and business confidence while reducing unnecessary barriers to growth.

Investing in Future Agricultural Leaders

One of the highlights of Agbiz Congress 2026 was the Netafim-sponsored Student Case Competition.

Facilitated by Prof Johan van Rooyen and Dr Melissa van der Merwe, the competition challenged students to develop practical solutions to a complex case study focused on strategic decision-making within South Africa's wheat value chain.

The competition showcased the exceptional talent emerging from South Africa's universities and demonstrated the value of connecting future leaders with real-world agricultural challenges.

Students impressed judges with their creativity, professionalism and analytical thinking, reinforcing confidence in the next generation of agricultural leadership.

The initiative also highlighted the importance of investing in young talent and creating opportunities for future industry leaders to engage directly with business and policy discussions.

Recognising Excellence

The Agbiz Gala Dinner, proudly sponsored by Standard Bank, provided an opportunity to celebrate leadership and achievement within the agricultural sector.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen addressed delegates, reflecting on agriculture's role in economic growth, job creation and national development.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Agbiz Honorary Awards.

Justin Chadwick, former Chief Executive Officer of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa, was recognised for his exceptional contribution to the citrus industry and his role in strengthening South Africa's global competitiveness.

Sean Walsh, former Managing Director of Kaap Agri, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to agribusiness, people-centred leadership and his role in building one of South Africa's leading agricultural businesses.

The Power of Networking and Shared Purpose

Beyond the formal programme, Agbiz Congress 2026 provided valuable opportunities for networking, relationship-building and collaboration.

Throughout the event, delegates connected with industry peers, policymakers, academics, financiers and emerging leaders, creating new partnerships and strengthening existing relationships.

The networking sessions reinforced one of the Congress's central messages: meaningful progress is achieved when stakeholders come together around shared goals and a common vision for the future.

Looking Ahead

As the Congress concluded, one message stood above all others: the future of South African agriculture will be shaped by collaboration.

Across discussions on structural reforms, infrastructure, logistics, finance, biosecurity, regulation and talent development, delegates consistently emphasised the importance of working together to unlock growth opportunities and address common challenges.

Agbiz Congress 2026 reaffirmed the sector's commitment to building a competitive, sustainable and inclusive agricultural economy while strengthening partnerships across business, government and society.

The conversations, insights and relationships formed in Gqeberha will continue to shape the agricultural agenda in the months and years ahead.

Agbiz extends its sincere appreciation to all delegates, sponsors, speakers, students, media partners and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the Congress.

Together, we continue to embrace collaboration and build the future of South African agriculture.

Watch Congress highlights:

Relive the highlights from Agbiz Congress 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiB5etHBCDQ

Theo Boshoff – Agbiz Congress 2026 is officially underway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRUQUcP6efo

Tanya Cohen – What will it take to accelerate structural reforms in South Africa?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R97bTCzyyZ0

Incoming Agbiz Chairperson PG Strauss on collaboration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cALsxYqgqMM

Agbiz Congress 2026 | Embracing Collaboration for the Future of Agriculture

https://youtu.be/LFCLpT9UuLo?si=96Z-hdYe2FcbJ1mL