Gauteng Powers Inclusive Growth: Agro‑Processing as a Job & Innovation Engine
Published July 7, 2025
Unpacking the 2025 Convention & Expo
On July 3–4, 2025, Gauteng hosted its inaugural Agro‑processing Convention and Expo at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand under the theme “Driving Inclusive Growth Through Agro‑processing”. The event convened agro‑processors, government leaders, financiers, SMMEs, and investors to shape a new roadmap for job creation, innovation, and economic inclusion in the province.
Gauteng agro-processing convention participants
Government Champions Agro‑Processing
Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa emphasised that boosting agro‑processing by just 2 % in the province could yield a 10 % employment rise in manufacturing. Strategically located near OR Tambo International, Gauteng is well‑placed to leverage logistics, industrial zones, and SADC trade corridors.
“Investment goes where it grows… our logistics, industrial capabilities are largely here” – MEC Ramokgopa
Vuyiswa Ramokgopa speaks at agro-processing expo”
R100 Million Finance Facility & ‘Missing Middle’
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), announced a R100 million blended finance facility at the convention. This comprises 30 % grants and 70 % affordable loans targeted at black-owned and township-based agro‑processors. According to Engineering News, 32 applications have been fully approved so far, with another 18 in progress.
NEF CEO Mziwabantu Dayimani described agro‑processing as the “strategic gateway for inclusive industrialisation, rural revitalisation and food sovereignty.”
Innovation, Infrastructure & Inclusive Value Chains
MECs like Lebogang Maile and MMC Ennie Makhafola highlighted the importance of a shared ecosystem integrating township cooperatives, emerging farmers, corporates, research institutions, and financiers. This ecosystem is built upon five pillars: aggregated value chains, export readiness, certification support, monitoring impact, and strong partnerships.
In particular, the link between food security and mental wellbeing was emphasised—strengthening agro-processing not only improves nutrition but addresses stress, anxiety, and community resilience.
Economic Impact & Province Strengths
Gauteng’s manufacturing backbone already depends on agro-processing—accounting for approximately 5.2 % of provincial GDP. Overall, agro-processing contributes around R240 billion per year to the national manufacturing output and employs over 200,000 people.
The province’s strategic importance is amplified by hosting 35 % of Africa’s food processing capacity, advanced infrastructure like cold storage, and research institutions including CSIR and ARC. This positions Gauteng as a gateway for regional and continental agribusiness expansion
Overcoming Challenges Ahead
Regulatory and food safety compliance: Cost burdens on small producers like Tshepiso Manyoha highlight the need for support with certification and standards.
Market access: Formatting offtake agreements and logistical support especially for township micro‑processors.
Infrastructure investment: Continued development of processing hubs, transport, storage, and certification centres.
Financial literacy: Ensuring business owners can manage blended finance offers and scale sustainably.
Roadmap & Future Prospects
Implement the R100 million blended finance facility and track uptake.
Formalise and grow partnerships among government, research, finance, and cooperatives.
Develop infrastructure clusters in township areas, linked to AfCFTA and SADC markets.
Support agro-processing innovation via collaboration with CSIR, ARC, and academic institutions.
Monitor impact through measurable targets on jobs, exports, and small‑business growth.
Leverage Gauteng’s G20 leadership in 2025 to showcase agro-processing success globally. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
