SADC Hosts Inaugural Youth Agrifood Trade Fair in Botswana
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) hosted its inaugural Youth in Agrifood Systems Trade Fair Expo from 6 to 7 October 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana, bringing together young agripreneurs from across the region to showcase innovation and entrepreneurial skills in agriculture.
The event drew 24 youth delegates representing 11 SADC Member States — Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, alongside 64 local participants, reflecting the regional reach and collaborative spirit of the Expo.
Over two days, participants presented initiatives in areas such as groundnut processing, feed production, chilli processing, and digital agricultural technologies, highlighting the potential of youth-led innovation to drive sustainable employment and agrifood sector transformation in southern Africa.
The Expo was officially opened by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth-driven initiatives in agriculture. The event also received continental diplomatic support from H.E. Sabdiyo Dido Bashuna, Kenyan High Commissioner to Botswana, underscoring wider interest in youth-led agricultural transformation.
Private sector engagement was strong, featuring Botswana-based companies, the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), and the University of Botswana. Representatives from SADC’s Directorate of Industrial Development and Trade and the Directorate of Social and Human Capital Development also attended, highlighting the strategic importance of youth empowerment for inclusive economic growth.
During discussions, Dr Maxwell Parakokwa, Senior Programme Officer for Employment, Labour and Youth at the SADC Secretariat, announced plans to move from council-based youth engagement to national youth associations focused on agrifood systems, aimed at strengthening coordination, amplifying youth voices, and deepening participation in agricultural development.
The Trade Fair Expo aligned with the African Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS), providing a platform for young agripreneurs to network, share experiences, and address barriers to participation in agrifood systems.
Participants called for the Expo to become an annual, rotating event across SADC Member States to enhance regional visibility, knowledge exchange, and market access.
