NAMPO 2025: A call to action for South African agriculture
Standard Bank and NAMPO 2025: Charting a new course for South African agriculture
Picture this: the crisp Free State air, a buzz of excitement—that's NAMPO. For nearly half a century, this harvest-day event has been a beacon for South African agriculture, evolving from a simple maize farmer gathering into a vibrant showcase of innovation and collaboration. However, this year, NAMPO 2025 in Bothaville felt different. More than just a festival, it was a pivotal moment, a collective huddle. The masterminds of the industry came together, sharing wisdom and exploring new ideas. It was a testament to the resilience of our farming community and a glimpse into the future of agriculture.
Rising above the challenges
Let’s be honest: South Africa’s (and Africa for that matter) agricultural challenges are undeniable. Rising input costs, increasingly volatile weather patterns, tightening margins and the ever-shifting landscape of global trade agreements cast a long shadow, yet under the banner ‘Global Agriculture, Locally!’, NAMPO 2025 became a powerful platform for real-world, farmer-led solutions.
At Standard Bank, we've always believed in partnering with the agricultural sector for the long haul. As Brendan Jacobs, head of Agribusiness at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa, noted, "Farmers aren't asking for theory; they need practical tools." This sentiment resonated throughout the event. From targeted solutions and climate-resilient inputs to platforms connecting farmers directly with buyers and access to finance tailored to seasonal realities, NAMPO 2025 was about providing tangible support.
Expanding trade: A key focus at NAMPO 2025
One of the key themes that emerged at NAMPO this year was the urgent need to diversify and expand trade opportunities. With trade uncertainty looming, particularly around the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), creating new pathways for South African produce into global markets is paramount. Our commitment to facilitating trade within Africa was evident in our hosting of heads of agribusiness from 14 other African countries. This initiative fostered valuable connections between South African clients and leaders across the continent, enabling the sharing of best practices and the exploration of new opportunities.
The event also highlighted the importance of investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. The Standard Bank AgriBusiness Transformation Graduation Ceremony celebrated a cohort of emerging farmers and agri-preneurs who have completed tailored development programmes in collaboration with the University of the Free State and Free State Department of Agriculture. These programmes are crucial for empowering individuals to grow and formalise their businesses, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Harvesting the fruits of our future labour
Looking back, NAMPO 2025 served as a powerful reminder that the resilience of South African agriculture hinges on agility in the face of both global and domestic shifts. As Jacobs emphasised, "With South Africa exporting over half its agricultural production by value, and nearly 26% by volume, this is arguably one of the most significant years for agriculture in decades. Whether we are talking about export markets or sustainability, success will hinge on how well we align policy, innovation and grassroots execution to support those who feed the nation."
Find out more about our global solution for local farming.
NAMPO 2025 wasn't just an event; it was a catalyst. It was a moment to reflect on the challenges, celebrate the successes and reaffirm our commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future for South African agriculture. The spirit of collaboration, innovation and unwavering determination that permeated the event will undoubtedly shape the sector for years to come.