Key Takeaways:
- Enterprise iLembe will host the 5th Urban Agri World Summit from September 18-20, 2024.
- The event aims to empower farmers with skills and knowledge in urban agriculture.
- Distinguished experts will discuss crucial topics such as Climate Change, Funding Opportunities, and Innovation in Agriculture.
- Over 20 industry experts and 400 participants will attend, providing networking and learning opportunities.
- The summit seeks to drive agricultural transformation towards climate-smart food systems and innovative farming projects.
Enterprise iLembe is set to host the 5th Urban Agri World Summit (UAW 2024) from September 18-20, 2024, in the rapidly evolving iLembe District. This summit aims to empower farmers with essential skills and knowledge in urban agriculture, reflecting the district’s transformation from a predominantly rural area to a burgeoning investment destination.
A Pivotal Event for iLembe District
The UAW 2024 summit is critical for the iLembe District, which is experiencing significant growth and investment. The event will feature a distinguished lineup of experts and guest speakers who will delve into crucial topics such as climate change, funding opportunities, capacity-building mechanisms, innovation in agriculture, vertical farming, and sustainable market solutions. These discussions aim to provide attendees with invaluable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture.
Empowering Small-Scale Farmers
Enterprise iLembe recognizes the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in achieving sustainable production. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Hlengiwe Hakata, emphasized the importance of the summit, stating, “Enterprise iLembe is pleased to announce its role as host for the 5th Urban Agri World Summit dedicated to empowering farmers across the district and beyond with essential skills and knowledge in urban agriculture. Our aim is for these discussions to empower farmers and equip them with the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s agricultural landscape.”
Distinguished Line-Up of Speakers
The summit will feature over 20 industry experts, including Henry Gordon-Smith, Founder & CEO of Agritecture (USA); Denis Banuoku, Founder & Agripreneur at GreenFresh Aquaponics (The Netherlands); Anton Gresse, Animal Scientist/Lecturer/Researcher, Nelson Mandela University; Gugulethu Mahlangu, Aquaponics Horticulturist at House Harvest (South Africa); Graeme Smith, Founder and Principal Consultant, Graeme Smith Consulting (Australia); Michael Linus Ouma, CEO, Mbeko Empire Limited (Kenya); Samson Ogbole, Founder/CEO, Soiless Nigeria; Richard Quansah Amissah, Researcher, University of Western Ontario (Canada); and Theophilus van Rensburg Lindzter, Founder, Learning Academy Worldwide (Sweden/South Africa).
Networking and Learning Opportunities
In addition to informative sessions, UAW 2024 will offer extensive networking opportunities, allowing producers and industry professionals to connect. The summit will be attended by approximately 400 participants from around the globe. Maggie Tan, CEO of the conference-organizing company Magenta Global (Singapore), highlighted the significance of hosting the summit in Africa, saying, “UAW 2024 is specifically hosted in Africa to provide the impetus for African governments and the private sector to drive agricultural transformation in accelerating the transition to a climate-smart food system and for smart farming projects to help boost food security.”
Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
The event’s speakers will share their knowledge and insights on various aspects of urban agriculture. Henry Gordon-Smith of Agritecture expressed his excitement about participating in the summit, stating, “I am excited to participate in the 5th UAW Summit 2024, where I will be discussing the latest advancements and opportunities in urban agriculture, including vertical farming. My talk will focus on innovative technologies and sustainable practices that can transform urban farming and the business models needed to enhance success. The industry is at a pivotal moment, with significant growth potential in Africa driven by increasing urbanization and the need for resilient food systems.”
