Latest news with #NomoyaMnisi
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference highlights Africa's role in global food security
Industry leaders and government officials gathered in Johannesburg for the World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference, focusing on Africa's pivotal role in global food security, climate change, and market modernisation. Image: Ashley Lechman / Independent Newspapers. Industry leaders and government officials descended at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday as the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference kicked off. The event highlighted Africa's growing significance in the global fresh produce industry while addressing critical issues such as food security, climate change, and the modernisation of markets. The conference, themed 'The African Edition: Shaping the Future of Fresh Produce through Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusivity,' was hosted by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the African continent. Joburg Market plays a central role in South Africa's agricultural economy. In the 2023/24 financial year, it reported sales of R11.3 billion and processed 1.4 million tons of produce. The market holds a 46% share of the national market, surpassing competitors in Tshwane, Durban, and Cape Town. It handles 600 000 transactions monthly, sources produce from over 8 000 producers, and serves 14000 daily buyers, with a registered buyer database of 100 000. Day one of the conference began with MMC for Economic Development for the City of Johannesburg, Nomoya Mnisi, who said it was fitting that the WUWM decided to host its first conference on the African continent during Africa month. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mbulelo Ntshastha from the Soweto Farmers Market was one of the many exhibitors at the WUWM Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre that took place from 15 May and ends on 16 May 2025. Image: Ashley Lechman Mnisi said, "Johannesburg is the pulse of Africa and the beating heart of the continent. The world is watching watching as climate change effects are felt around the globe, which highlights the importance of this conference. Climate change has a ripple effect on food security and it is vital that we turn markets onto engines of food security." WUWM chairperson, Stephane Layani conveyed his gratitude to his South African colleagues and leaders for being gracious hosts of the conference. Layani said, "This gives us a great opportunity for a deepening collaboration with Africa and further momentum for international collaboration. Advanced thinking is now needed for food systems as it is the back bone of global food security. Climate change is having an impact on the food chain. It is no longer a distant problem anymore, it is here and the effects can be seen far and wide." Layani added that the entire food value chain is feeling the ripple effect. "In terms of innovation, we will lead the way as fresh markets have been around for centuries. We need to maintain trade between major nations, without tariffs," Layani declared during his address at the conference. Layani said that inclusivity is vital in the sector as well. "There needs to be support for local farmers, they can be engines of employment for young people and women. With meaningful discussions, we can tackle the challenges that lay ahead. Sustainability, innovation, food security and fairness are the foundations that we must build on. By shaping the future of the fresh food markets, we are also securing food security. Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, was also present at the conference and welcomed dignitaries to the vibrant city in South Africa. Morero said, "It is an honour to welcome the conference to Johannesburg. The themes of the conference directly aligns with our country's National Development Plan. We view food systems central to shaping the livelihoods of our people. Johannesburg is positioning itself for solutions as we cannot ignore the crisis mounting in the agriculture sector. We will step up to the challenge of redesigning our market infrastructure so energy may be conserved and waste minimised." #Welcome2Joburg. The World Union of Wholesale Markets is officially in session. We are honoured to be joined by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, @TauParks, Executive Mayor Councillor @DadaMorero, and Economic Development Councillor @NomoyaMnisi1. Together, we… — City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) May 15, 2025 "The rise of digital in agriculture is also something that we need to keep up with. It reshapes how food moves and is priced. It also needs to be inclusive, something that is a call to action for cities and states so markets can be reimagined,"Morero further added. South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, also echoed feelings of honour welcoming the global gathering to African soil. Tau said at the conference, "The agriculture sector faces many challenges globally. Food security is at the forefront for many nations. Here in South Africa, households struggle to access nutritious food. Liberating trade agreements, building public and private partnerships, we aim to position South Africa as a major player in stabilising global food security." We are honored to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets in the continent's economic heart at a critical moment for the global food system. — Executive Mayor of the City Of Joburg (@DadaMorero) May 15, 2025 BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
TimesLIVE
01-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Joburg to host international farmers' conference
Johannesburg is set to host the world's largest agricultural conference, the World Union of Wholesale Markets [WUWM]. The Johannesburg market is home to the biggest produce market on the African continent, boasting more than R10m in annual turnover. It has been chosen as the host for the conference which will draw industry leaders, policymakers and innovators from more than 200 member countries. This is the third international event set to take place in the city this year, after the U20 and G20 conferences — an achievement mayor Dada Morero believes is an opportunity for the city to make its mark on the global stage. 'This is not only a privilege but a clear demonstration of Johannesburg's readiness to lead, to connect, and to drive a transformative economic agenda. Our role as a city is to create an enabling environment where economic activity thrives — from street-level entrepreneurship to large-scale international trade. Through entities like the Joburg market, we facilitate the daily exchange of goods that feed millions and fuel thousands of jobs.' The mayor said this move is a deliberate part of the city's growth and development strategy. 'These events place Johannesburg at the centre of global dialogue and unlock partnerships that strengthen their infrastructure, their capacity, and global competitiveness. It is our unwavering belief that through collaboration and markets, we can build an Africa that feeds itself, empowers its people and competes with the best in the world,' he said. Economic development MMC Nomoya Mnisi, who presides over Joburg market as an entity, said she hopes the market's selection as the host will highlight its capabilities and contributions to agricultural trade while facilitating networking with key stakeholders in the global agricultural sector. 'This platform now becomes a launch pad for new ideas, partnerships, and growth models that can benefit both emerging and established economies. It stands at the confluence of opportunity and transformation. Africa is home to over 60% of the world's arable land, and yet we continue to confront deep-seated challenges in food security, market access, infrastructure and equitable trade. WUWM Joburg 2025 provides a global platform to collectively address these gaps, showcase our innovations and chart a unified course forward.' Calling it more than a conference, Mnisi described it as a call to action. 'This is rallying point for those who dare to transform food systems not just for profit, but for people and the planet. Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies — a sector that feeds millions, provides jobs to most of our rural population and sustains livelihoods across generations. But the agriculture of tomorrow must be bold, resilient and inclusive.' The MMC gave a marching line to global stakeholders, urging them to align on data-driven practices, climate-responsive infrastructure, and technology that brings the farmer closer to the consumer. 'Through this conference, we reaffirm our commitment to revitalising the wholesale market system as a powerful enabler of economic growth, food system resilience and environmental sustainability,' she says. The conference will take place from May 14-16 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
