Agriculture entrepreneurs to discuss business growth, funding at the Agri-Business Summit
Durban — As the agriculture industry gears up for the third annual Agri-business Summit Friday, agriculture entrepreneurs will learn how to expand their reach in business in the agriculture industry, collaborating with one another to boost business, and investment opportunities offered by different organisations.
The farming entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend the event that will be held at the Garden Court, Marine Parade, in Durban.
In a media statement, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that the agriculture industry is one of the fast-growing spaces in the South African economy especially in KwaZulu-Natal among other provinces with loamy textured soils.
It also stated that livestock and crop farmer Ayanda Zulu wishes to have business owners, workers, enthusiasts, funders, and hopefuls in one room to delve into many ways to improve this space as well as extend support to those who need it most.
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa will deliver the keynote address.
Speaking to the Daily News, Wenzokuhle Trading owner, Ayanda Zulu said the business is a livestock and crops business based in KwaZulu-Natal.
“I was born and bred in Newcastle but my ancestry hails all the way from Nongoma, north of Durban. My passion for business in the agriculture space began with my love for finer things in life which pushed me to research and learn more about this sector ahead of taking over,” she said.
Her services are offered to businesses, productions, organisations and individuals amongst others.
She said her inspiration to establish the AgriBusiness Summit stemmed from her deep passion for agriculture and a recognition of the need for greater collaboration within the industry.
She also said that agriculture has always been at the heart of “our” communities, yet she saw a gap when it came to connecting farmers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in a meaningful way.
The idea was to create a platform where knowledge could be shared, innovations could be discussed, and strong networks could be built—ultimately driving the growth and sustainability of agribusiness in our region, she said.
“I wanted to foster an environment where both emerging and established farmers could come together, learn from each other, and explore new opportunities. The summit is about more than just farming techniques; it's about empowering individuals with the tools, resources, and connections they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.”
“By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, the Agri-Business Summit has become a catalyst for positive change, helping to shape a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector. This vision of collective progress is what continues to inspire me every year as we gather to build on the success of this initiative,” said Zulu.
In Friday’s event, she said farmers/agriculture entrepreneurs will learn how to expand their reach in business in the agriculture industry, collaborating with one another to boost business, and investment opportunities offered by different organisations such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and eThekwini Municipality.
They will get to network with one another and be exposed to funding opportunities available, she said.
Founder and CEO of Ithuba Agribusiness that helps schools set up their gardens, Thabani Ngubane from from Mandlanzini in Richards Bay said that he is enthusiastic to attend the event tomorrow. Ngubane has also been nominated for the Sakha Isizwe FM Community Awards SICA02 under the Best Entrepreneur category.
“I am excited about the nomination, because it means that my work is being recognised. I not only work with learners of schools around my area, but I have expanded the business to teaching agriculture in all districts in KZN,” he said.
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