The annual national event serves as a platform for young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to connect with large brands, explore funding opportunities, and participate in specialised masterclasses.

This year’s programme will bring critical issues to the forefront, ranging from the management of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and emerging technology trends to transformation.

Participants at the previous year's event. Photo: Mzanzi Young Indaba 2026

Through platforms like #FFMIndaba26, the Land Bank said it remains committed to supporting dialogue that strengthens the sector and empowers the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The gathering follows a period of growth for the initiative. In previous years, the indaba saw nearly 2,000 registrations and hosted more than 55 exhibitors.

Participants have historically travelled from across South Africa, including the Northern Cape and North West, as well as from 12 other African countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.

In 2024, Indaba saw nearly 2,000 registrations and hosted more than 55 exhibitors. Photo: Mzanzi Young Indaba 2026

The 2026 edition aims to expand on these numbers by focusing on biotechnology, mechanisation, and enterprise development. A central feature is the inclusion of diverse voices from the agricultural and food sectors.

Among the participants for 2026 is Ska Mirriam Moteane, a chef and food industry leader from the Free State. Moteane is set to join a panel discussion on Thursday (9/4), focusing on agro-processing, ownership, and value creation within the food industry.

Moteane said her participation is driven by a desire to connect farmers’ work directly to the final product served to consumers. Her work in the kitchen depends entirely on the people who work the land.

By participating in the panel, she intended to discuss how farmers can move beyond primary production and gain more economic power through processing and storytelling. “This is exactly the kind of space that feeds my soul.”

These connections are vital for building value in the agricultural chain. The indaba continues to focus on community transformation, providing new-era farmers with the tools and professional networks required to sustain their businesses and impact their local economies across the continent.

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