For those who prefer real-world examples over theory, insight over jargon, and implementable solutions, the Africa Agri Tech Conference & Expo (AAT), provides the next step in gearing your business for the future.
Taking place from 18-20 March 2025 at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria, AAT will feature internationally acclaimed speakers who will share their roadmaps to choosing and applying the right technology to achieve tangible outcomes.
“We are pragmatic in our technology investments, selecting only that which provides authentic value,” explains Martin Jansen, Chief information Officer of ZZ2 and Managing Director of ThinkNinjas, who is one of the speakers on Day 2 of AAT.
On Day 2, Plant AgTech takes centre stage, offering groundbreaking insights into how technology can enhance crop sustainability, boost productivity, and drive innovation. “Farmers that are still uncertain as to how artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and digital transformation can benefit their farm, will get clear answers from industry leaders who specialise in making these concepts practical and accessible,” says Anlie Hattingh, AAT’s spokesperson.
ZZ2, one of South Africa’s largest farming operations, has successfully implemented technology at every level of production, from soil health monitoring to precision irrigation. “By integrating smart technology in creative ways, we’ve cut costs, improved efficiency, and made our farming operations more sustainable. And these aren’t solutions just for big farms; they’re scalable and suitable for everyone,” Jansen explains.
Breaking Down AgTech for Farmers
Many farmers are hesitant to adopt new technology, often because it seems too complex or expensive. However, as Pieter Geldenhuys, Director of the Institute for Technology Strategy and Innovation, will explain in his talk Beyond the Algorithm: The Frontier of AI, Remote Sensing, and Earth Intelligence, the true power of AI isn’t confined to server rooms and data centres. “It flourishes in the soil beneath a farmer’s boots, in the spectrum of light invisible to human eyes, in the quiet monitoring of grazing herds. Today’s smart farmers aren’t replacing intuition with automation – they’re amplifying generations of agricultural wisdom with precision tools that speak the language of the land,” says Geldenhuys.
For farmers looking to future-proof their businesses, Mushambi Mutuma, a leading tech strategist and author, will explore the topic, Re-Code Your Business for Growth. His session will highlight how the future of agriculture isn’t just about technology, it’s about leaders that can harness it for real impact.
Misinformation and scepticism around agricultural technology can be a major barrier to progress. Alan Hardacre, a strategic leader in global advocacy, will tackle this issue head-on 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 must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to separate fact from fiction, ensuring that food producers have access to innovations that genuinely benefit food security,” Hardacre states.
Seeing Innovation in Action
Not all innovation happens in high-tech labs. GG Alcock, an entrepreneur and expert on the informal economy, will introduce Kasinomics: The Informal Sector Driving Future Growth. His session will reveal how small-scale, informal agricultural markets are not a poor man’s game, but a multi-billion-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 Day 2’s programme is Beyers Truter, chairman of the Pinotage Association and founder of Beyerskloof. In his session, Rebellion: From Rebel to Lion, Truter shares 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 a large commercial farmer, the insights shared at this event can help you improve productivity, increase profitability, and secure a sustainable future for your farm,” says Hattingh.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with leading minds in agriculture, discover the latest advancements, and gain the tools you need to make your business sustainable for decades to come.
Book your seat now: www.africaagritech.co.za
