For those who prefer real-world examples over theory, insight over jargon, and implementable solutions, the Africa Agri Tech Conference & Expo (AAT), offers a next step for agri businesses gearing up for the future. The event will take place from 18 to 20 March at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa.
AAT brings together the South African agricultural, scientific, and technology communities at one informative event.
“We don’t invest in technology for the sake of it – we invest because it works,” says Martin Jansen, Chief information Officer of ZZ2 and Managing Director of ThinkNinjas, who will be one of the speakers on Day 2 of AAT.
ZZ2, one of South Africa’s largest farming operations, has successfully implemented technology at every level of production, from monitoring soil health to precision irrigation. “By integrating smart technology, we’ve cut costs, improved efficiency, and made our farming operations more sustainable. And these aren’t solutions just for big farms; they are scalable for everyone,” Jansen adds.
The conference covers three tracks.
- Day 1: Animal AgTech: Innovations in precision livestock farming, genetics, and animal health.
- Day 2: Plant AgTech: The latest in crop technology, biotech solutions, and precision farming.
- Day 3: AgBusiness: How AI, digital tools, and financial innovations are shaping the business of agriculture.
On Day 2, Plant AgTech takes centre stage, offering insights into how technology can enhance crop sustainability, boost productivity, and drive innovation. Spokesperson for AAT, Anlie Hattingh, notes: “For farmers that are still uncertain as to how artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and digital transformation can benefit their farm, Day 2 will give them clear answers from industry leaders who specialise in making these concepts practical and accessible.”
Making AgTech accessible for farmers
Many farmers are hesitant to adopt new technology, often because it seems too complex or expensive. However, in his talk titled ‘Beyond the algorithm: The frontier of AI, Remote sensing, and Earth intelligence’, Pieter Geldenhuys, Director of the Institute for Technology Strategy and Innovation, will explain that these tools are not just for high-tech laboratories, but are practical solutions that can help farmers make better decisions.
“Imagine being able to detect disease or nutrient deficiencies before they become visible to the naked eye? With satellite data and AI-driven analytics, you can act early, reducing losses and improving yields without increasing costs,” says Geldenhuys.
For farmers looking to gear up their businesses for the future, Mushambi Mutuma, a leading tech strategist and author, will explore the topic: ‘Re-code your business for growth’. In his session he will highlight how digital tools can streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and open up new revenue streams.
Misinformation and scepticism around agricultural technology present another barrier to progress. Alan Hardacre, a strategic leader in global advocacy, will tackle this issue in his session, Sowing truth in a digital storm: Addressing technophobia and AI-driven disinformation in agriculture.
“In today's digital landscape, it's easy for myths about technology to spread, leading to fear and resistance. Farmers and consumers need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to separate fact from fiction, to ensure that food producers have access to innovations that genuinely benefit food security,” Hardacre says.
Not all innovation happens in high-tech labs. GG Alcock, an entrepreneur and well-known expert on the informal economy, will introduce Kasinomics: The informal sector driving future growth. In his session he will reveal how small-scale, informal agricultural markets are not a poor man’s game, but a multibillion-rand industry. Farmers who understand and adapt to this sector will have access to new and lucrative customer bases that many overlook.
A highlight of the programme will Beyers Truter’s session: Rebellion: From rebel to lion. Truter is chairman of the Pinotage Association and founder of Beyerskloof. He will share how resilience, authenticity, and innovation helped him turn a struggling vineyard into a world-renowned wine brand, and how farmers can implement these strategies for their own success.
“AAT is a chance for farmers to gain hands-on knowledge from industry experts who understand the realities of modern farming. Whether you're a small-scale grower or involved in large commercial farming, the insights shared at this event can help you improve productivity, increase profitability, and secure a sustainable future for your farm,” says Hattingh.
The Africa Agri Tech Conference and Exhibition aims to connect the South African agricultural, scientific, and technology communities at one event, staged over three days, exploring global trends and advances in agricultural science, technology, and innovation and the benefits that these can bring to the agricultural ecosystem in the future. It seeks to deliver top-quality insights from best-in-class presenters and suppliers.
For more information visit: www.africaagritech.co.za
