Congress 2024

Agbiz Congress 2024: Navigating Agricultural Challenges in a Changing Global Landscape

The Agbiz Congress 2024, held from 5 – 7 June at Sun City, offered a pivotal platform for reflections on domestic and global challenges impacting businesses within the agricultural sector. With the main theme "Sustaining Growth in a Changing Global Landscape," the Congress delved into pressing issues ranging from political uncertainty to emerging geopolitical tensions and ways to expand 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." 

The Congress commenced with an inspiring opening by former Agbiz Chairperson and Senwes CEO Francois Strydom, followed by Agbiz CEO Theo Boshoff recognising all Congress sponsors. 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 facilitated by Theo Boshoff on infrastructure as an enabler of competitiveness featured esteemed 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.


Student Case Study Competition at Agbiz Congress 2024

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Student Case Study Competition at Agbiz Congress 2024: Marco Appel, Nomthandazo Pretty-Girl Mkhize, Godwin Levandre Theys, and Diaan Venter!


Their exceptional insights on 'The Resilience and Revival of the South African Wine Industry' impressed all attendees. Thank you to Prof. Johan Van Rooyen for coaching and leading the students, and to Thapelo Machaba and Wandile Sihlobo for your invaluable guidance. 

We also extend our gratitude to our sponsors for supporting the future leaders of agriculture.


Our Sponsors


These are our main sponsors:

Event Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gala Dinner Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor


Trade Exhibition

The exhibition hall was the focal meeting point for the congress, providing a place for delegates to meet and sponsors and exhibitors to showcase their business. The welcome reception, daily lunch, and morning and afternoon tea breaks were held in the exhibition area, allowing exhibitors a generous amount of time over the two days of the congress to network.

Exhibitors
 

 
  
    
   



Steerco


- Chairman: Sean Walsh
- Deputy Chairs: Antois Van Der Westhuizen and Mandla Mpofu
- Rico Basson
- Justin Chadwick


Congress Presentation Documents

Prof Mzukisi Qobo – Presentation - Geopolitics, Trade and Foreign Relations - https://www.agbiz.co.za/document/open/prof-qobo-presentation-650


Frans van Wyk – Presentation – ESG looking beyond compliance to create value - https://www.agbiz.co.za/document/open/2024-06-agbiz-congress-esg-presentation-661

Dr Alan Hardacre – Crop Life Presentation - https://www.agbiz.co.za/document/open/alan-presentation-155

Dr David Fowkes (SARB) – Prospective growth in a changing global landscape - https://www.agbiz.co.za/document/open/dr-fowkes-sarb-presentation-787

Prof Ferdi Meyer – BFAP Presentation - Emerging challenges & opportunities in International Trade - https://www.agbiz.co.za/document/open/prof-ferdi-meyer-presentation-161


Videos


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Wandile Sihlobo Chief Economist: Agbiz


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Antois van der Westhuizen MD: John Deere Financial


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Rudi Dicks Head of the Project Management Office: Presidency


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Theo Boshoff CEO: Agbiz


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Dr Mathews Phosa Chairperson: AGDA


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Thabi Nkosi Chairperson: Land Bank


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Prof Ferdi Meyer Managing Director: BFAP


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Gilly Dlamini General Manager: The Banking Association South Africa


DG Mooketsa Ramasodi Director-General: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development


Agbiz Congress 2024 | Frans van Wyk Director: Agrifusion