Enterprise iLembe, KZN Dept of Agri & KZN Durban Convention Bureau Co-Host 5th UrbanAgriWorld Summit

DURBAN, South Africa - Aug. 5, 2024 - PRLog -- More than 20 industry experts will be taking the stage to drive agricultural transformation in accelerating the transition to climate-smart food systems and smart farming projects to help boost food security at the 5th Urban Agri World Summit (UAW 2024).

Hlengiwe Hakata, Enterprise ILembe Acting Chief Executive Officer said:
"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. Taking place from 18-20 September 2024, this event comes at a pivotal time for the rapidly evolving iLembe District, previously considered predominantly rural but now transitioning at an impressive pace to becoming the investment destination of choice." She further added: "Enterprise iLembe recognizes the challenges small-scale farmers face in achieving sustainable production therefore our aim is for these discussions to empower farmers and equip them with the knowledge needed to thrive in today's agricultural landscape."

International and regional industry experts sharing their knowledge and insights this year include: Henry Gordon-Smith, Founder & CEO, Agritecture (USA); Denis Banuoku, Founder & Agripreneur, GreenFresh Aquaponics (Netherlands); Anton Gresse, Animal Scientist/Lecturer/Researcher, Nelson Mandela University; Gugulethu Mahlangu, Aquaponics Horticulturist, House Harvest (South Africa); Samson Ogbole, Founder & CEO, Soiless Nigeria; among many others.

Industry Associations participating at UAW 2024 include the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) – the global non-profit organization championing vertical farming as a necessary solution to the global food production – along with the African Association for Vertical Farming (AAVF), the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and the Botswana Farmers Association (BOFA).

The Summit will be attended by some 400 participants globally.

Maggie Tan, CEO of the conference-organizing company, Magenta Global (Singapore), said: "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."

Speaker Henry Gordon-Smith of Agritecture added: "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."

More information can be found on the event website at https://urbanagrisummit.magentaglobalevents.com/.

Enquiries on the 2024 Summit and how to register can be addressed to the organizers at jose@magenta-global.com.sg.