Africa Agri Tech puts the spotlight on science and technology in 2020

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A business-to-business trade show expo, dedicated to displaying the latest technologies, equipment and innovations available to the agricultural industry will complement the parallel conference programme.

"Agritech is one of the most exciting areas of innovation in an already fast-moving tech field, and some of the innovations we're seeing are not only ground-breaking (literally) but essential for feeding the 7-billion people on the planet. I'm more excited to see what artificial intelligence, the power of cloud computing, ubiquitous sensors and new technology like drones and autonomous farm vehicles can do for humanity than I am in any other category," said Topy Shapshak, a leading technology commentator who addressed the audience attending the launch event in Pretoria.

Inspired themes and industry support

The Africa Agri Tech Expo will host exhibits from six strategic science and technology inspired themes, namely: artificial intelligence, analytics and data-driven farming, automation and robotics, biosystems engineering, smart farming, financial and agrinomics and industry specialists.

Tech Try-Out Zones will provide a hands-on opportunity to experience and experiment with new agricultural tools and technologies whilst Southern African inventors will enjoy an opportunity to shine by entering their latest products or solutions in the Innovation Competition.

"We are pleased to be associated with this pioneering event," said Dr John Purchase, CEO of the Agricultural Business Chamber. "Agbiz strives to provide members with a "way to prosperity" and through that to benefit the agricultural community at large through job creation, greater productivity and increased investment. We welcome the inaugural Africa Agri Tech as a means for our members to explore and navigate the latest technologies and to find the solutions that provide them with the ways to increase their efficiency and productivity."

A focus on Southern Africa is an integral part of the event's DNA, which will see leaders and stakeholders from Southern African countries sharing their insights and experiences on how best to harness technology to benefit African agriculture.

Landbouweekblad Editor-in-Chief, Chris Burgess said: "We are excited to partner with this ground-breaking event that can only further accelerate this process by showcasing the best that science and technology has to offer farmers."

"Globally, agriculture is undergoing massive and rapid transformation brought about by new technologies. In order to thrive, African agriculture needs to be at the forefront of this rapid change. In this regard the continent is blessed to have South African commercial farmers, who are some of the earliest adopters of technology anywhere in the world," said Burgess.

Afgri Group CEO, Chris Venter, expressed his delight in partnering with the event: "We believe that technology and digitalisation will become ever more important. The changes it has affected in everyday lives in terms of markets and production continuously take new shape, almost daily. We feel that an expo of this nature, focusing on advancements in science and technology, and where discussion can take place, is long overdue and most relevant. We are not merely watching how markets get disrupted, we want to be part of the disruption to bring new innovations to our industry and our clients alike."