Unisa’s Eastern Cape Region participated in the Africa Agricultural Indaba, hosted by the Border Kei Business Chamber at the East London International Convention Centre (ELICC), from 20 to 22 May 2026.

As the first event of its kind in the province, the Indaba brought together key stakeholders from agriculture, agro-processing, the higher education sector, researchers, and trade and investment to unlock the immense, untapped potential of the Eastern Cape.

The Indaba served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, partnership-building and sustainable economic opportunity for Eastern Cape citizens. The Indaba focused on strengthening the agricultural value chain, building resilience and transitioning subsistence farmers into commercially viable producers, which resonates directly with Unisa’s catalytic niche areas.

Eastern Cape Premier, the Honourable Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, officially opened the event and described the gathering as a defining moment for the province, emphasising that agriculture is no longer only about farming, but also about rebuilding rural economies, creating employment, restoring dignity and driving inclusive economic growth.

The Premier further highlighted the province’s strengths in citrus, livestock, wool, dairy, grain, aquaculture, cannabis and horticulture, while stressing the importance of agro-processing, local procurement and agricultural industrialisation to retain economic value within the Eastern Cape.

Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, reaffirmed the province’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through collaboration, innovation and sustainable development, while highlighting the need to empower farmers and expand opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Acting Executive Mayor, Councillor Sakhumzi Caga, also reaffirmed Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality’s commitment to rural development and sustainable agricultural growth, calling for stronger support for emerging farmers, youth participation, women-owned enterprises and climate-smart agriculture.

Stakeholders in attendance, including Unisa, signed the Indaba Pledge

On the last day of the Indaba, all sectors and stakeholders, including Unisa, participated in the signing of the Indaba Pledge as a commitment to collaboration and to building a strong agricultural sector in Africa, with Eastern Africa as the anchor.

The Unisa Eastern Cape Region is proud to have been part of this impactful platform, which focused on collaboration, innovation and unlocking opportunities for the future of African agriculture. 

* Submitted by Ntsiki Gasa, Communication and Marketing Specialist, Eastern Cape Region