This year’s expo boasts more than 2 500 registered trade visitors and around 250 attendees at the co-located African Biotrade Festival, making it the largest edition in the event’s history.
“We’re seeing unprecedented interest from international buyers who recognise Africa’s potential in the global organic market, while simultaneously providing a vital platform for our local entrepreneurs to scale their businesses,” says Warren Hickinbotham, co-founder of and partnership lead for the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa.
“This expo has become the bridge between grassroots innovation and commercial success.”
Women’s Imbizo to tackle industry concerns
The Women’s Imbizo on Saturday, 19 September, will feature industry leaders, including Nonnie Kubeka, executive director of the Convention & Events Bureau at the Gauteng Tourism Authority, and panels covering financial health, traditional medicine, and agricultural education.
The programme will include:
- State of South Africa’s organic industry – Overview by Alan Rosenberg, chairperson of the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO)
- Food design and circular economy discussions, facilitated by Nicci Robertson, founder of Reinvent Health. Gary Jackson, founder of Jackson’s Real Food Market; and Lorraine Jenks, climate change, sustainability, circularity, and ESG guide, and founder of Hotelstuff and GreenStuff, will be panellists.
- Standard Bank financial health panel.
- SAB Foundation brand stories with black female founders, featuring Liz Letsoalo, founder of Masodi Organics, and Aobakwe Lenkwe, founder of Scaled Impact.
- The economy of muti and ecosystem of African traditional medicine, presented by Mpho Masondo, a director of the African National Healers Association.
- Rise to the Re-awakening of the Feminine Being: The Time is Now, conveyed by Dr Jane Mackenzie, founder and CEO of 365 Healthy By Choice.
- Farmer’s Weekly education panel, hosted by editor Janine Ryan. The panel will focus on the importance of education, exploring syllabus development, and mentorship and coaching. Panellists will include Dr Lindie von Maltitz, lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State; Laurika du Bois, director of communication, marketing, and new business at Agri Skills Transfer; and Dr Ethel Zulu, founder and managing director of Hope Nutrition.
Shining a light on township ingenuity
The Innovation Hub, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, is bringing significant grassroots representation through its eKasiLabs programme, showcasing 20 township-based entrepreneurs from across 10 townships.
“We’re putting the spotlight on these entrepreneurs so they can expand their market reach, build new partnerships, and connect with buyers they wouldn’t normally [have access to],” explains Hector Ndlovu, business development officer at the Innovation Hub.
“Every time there’s an organic expo, our entrepreneurs ask, ‘Can we go again?’ because they see the real business opportunities these events create.”
Global input improves local reach
Confirmed exhibitors and delegates from Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and other African countries reinforce the expo’s position as the continent’s premier sustainable living event. International organisations are also leveraging the platform to expand South African businesses into global markets.
“We’re excited to attend our first Organic & Natural Products Africa Expo in South Africa to discover the incredible natural ingredients this country offers,” says Naomi Bossett from Germany’s Import Promotion Desk.
“Our mission is to connect South African [small to medium enterprises] with European markets. Through our three-year programme, we’ve seen companies double their exports, turnover, and workforce, and we’re looking for more success stories to write together.”
Exhibitor confidence fuels growth
Returning exhibitors are also demonstrating their confidence by increasing their participation. Andrew Visser, owner of Naturelle Beds, explains: “After the phenomenal interest we received at the Cape Town event earlier this year, we’ve increased our stand size. What makes this show valuable is that visitors come with genuine commitment to organic living.”
Visit the expo, and you could win!
As an added incentive, official radio partner Hot 102.7 FM will be offering expo visitors the opportunity to win top-quality product hampers from Allulo, Sought After Seedlings, Naturelle Beds, Wellness Pantry and New Moon Botanicals.
The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa is supported by key partners, including the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; Standard Bank South Africa, the SAOSO, and numerous industry associations.
For more information, visit organicandnaturalportal.com/expo.
