From 2-4 June 2025, the coastal city of Durban will become the gateway to global agri-food trade as it hosts Market Access Africa (MAA) 2025 at the International Convention Centre (ICC Durban). Positioned as the premier event for connecting Africa’s agriculture and food industries with international buyers, sellers, and policymakers, MAA 2025 is designed to transform how Africa engages with both regional and global markets. Organised by the African Agri Council, the event aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030.
Strengthening the Value Chain
Market Access Africa is more than a conference—it is a platform for redefining Africa’s agricultural export identity. The event seeks to expand the continent’s export portfolio by targeting new destinations and increasing the proportion of value-added products. With an eye toward long-term growth, MAA 2025 aims to embed African agricultural producers into international value chains and reduce reliance on imported food products.
A core focus will be promoting Africa’s diverse range of indigenous, organic, and non-traditional agricultural goods, many of which hold untapped market potential. The event also addresses structural challenges, such as limited coordination among institutions and regulatory barriers like sanitary and phytosanitary measures. These issues are central to discussions on improving the competitiveness of African agricultural exports and ensuring compliance with international standards.
An Agenda Geared for Impact
The programme across the three days is structured to deliver strategic insights and practical outcomes. The opening plenary on 2 June will feature keynote addresses from prominent figures including South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reform, John Steenhuisen. Early discussions will cover regulatory harmonisation and sustainable value chain development through public-private partnerships.
On 3 June, the agenda will highlight private sector participation, with a keynote from South Africa’s Deputy President followed by panels on trade facilitation, climate-resilient agriculture, and the role of global retail networks in enabling African market access. Industry leaders such as Ade Adefako of Olam Group and Susan Payne of Sustainable Planet LTD will provide expert insights.
The final day, 4 June, will be dedicated to the Youth in Agri Indaba. The day will open with a keynote from Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and will explore how young people can be empowered through innovation, agro-processing, and entrepreneurial development. Discussions will aim to shift the perception of agriculture into a dynamic, profitable career path for the next generation.
A Holistic Industry Experience
Beyond its conference sessions, MAA 2025 offers live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, exclusive site visits to agro-industrial facilities, and strategic roundtable discussions. The event will also celebrate innovation through the 40 Under 40 Gala Awards Dinner, recognising young trailblazers in the agri-food sector.
A Must-Attend for Agriculture Stakeholders
MAA 2025 is expected to draw farmers, exporters, retailers, policymakers, researchers, investors, and innovators from across the continent and beyond. As the date approaches, it stands as a pivotal moment to drive Africa’s agricultural transformation through market access, collaboration, and forward-thinking policy dialogue.