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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.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Johannesburg to host WUWM conference, focusing on Africa's fresh produce ambitions
The conference, themed 'The African Edition: Shaping the Future of Fresh Produce through Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusivity,' is being organised by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the African continent. Image: Supplied Johannesburg is set to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference from May 14-16, 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre. The event aims to highlight 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,' is being organised by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the African continent. It is expected to draw industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from over 200 member countries. Discussions will focus on global agriculture value chains, Africa's potential for exports and imports, and the integration of advanced technologies to improve market efficiency. 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. Employing over 6 000 people, the market remains a vital economic contributor in a country facing high unemployment. Sello Makhubela, the CEO of Joburg Market, explained the city's strategic position. 'As South Africa's economic hub and home to Joburg Market, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate meaningful discussions on food security, sustainability, and the modernisation of wholesale markets,' he said. Sello Makhubela, the CEO of Joburg Market, explained the city's strategic position. Image: Supplied In an interview, Makhubela further explained the conference's importance. 'We're bringing the world to Africa, and we want to learn from the world to advance as Africa,' he said. He highlighted the event's potential to foster international trade partnerships and establish Africa as a significant player in the global fresh produce 60% of the world's uncultivated land located in Africa, he noted the continent's vast potential for agricultural expansion. 'Africa has an opportunity to use that land to cultivate and start delivering fresh produce worldwide,' Makhubela added. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, the WUWM connects over 150 wholesale markets and 30 retail and street markets globally, promoting sustainable food distribution and innovation. The Johannesburg conference will include sessions on logistics, cold chain solutions, and digital trading platforms, drawing insights from leading markets in France and Spain. Upgrading infrastructure, including cold storage and banana ripening facilities, is a key component of Joburg Market's 'Smart Fresh Produce Market Strategy.' Upgrading infrastructure, including cold storage and banana ripening facilities, is a key component of Joburg Market's 'Smart Fresh Produce Market Strategy.' Image: Supplied Joburg Market faces strong competition from private markets and retailers with sophisticated distribution centers, which have led to a decline in the market share of national fresh produce markets due to insufficient infrastructure investment. To address this, the market is seeking R3.2bn through public-private partnerships to expand its trading space by 45 000 square meters, improve cold storage capabilities, and diversify into agri-business and value-added services. The strategy incorporates clean energy solutions, waste management systems, and advanced trading technologies, with the aim of increasing throughput by 20%, enhancing profitability, and ensuring compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point standards. 'These enhancements will create jobs, strengthen food security, and improve affordability,' Makhubela said. New agro-processing facilities are expected to increase sales volume, while digital solutions such as cashless payment systems and online trading platforms will streamline operations. The market's transformation program also aims to support small-scale farmers by providing access to its platform, addressing supply-demand imbalances that are worsened by climate change and high prices. Makhubela underscored Africa's crucial role in global food security, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers like Johannesburg, where access to affordable food is essential for the increasing population. 'We need more farmers to increase accessibility and lower prices,' he said, pointing out that current prices are unsustainable for many, especially low-income households. The conference will tackle these issues, exploring methods to scale up production and improve logistics for perishable tensions, including tariffs and restricted access to markets like the United States for exports such as avocados, present significant challenges. 'Resolving political tensions and fostering partnerships are crucial,' Makhubela said. He stressed the importance of the American market and the need for African governments to address trade barriers. The outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute to G20 discussions on food security later in 2025, amplifying Africa's voice on the global stage. The South African government is actively encouraging trade within Africa, and Joburg Market is aligning its Smart Market Strategy to support these efforts. While some countries, such as Botswana, maintain import restrictions, broader continental initiatives aim to facilitate open borders. 'Free trade across Africa is essential for our market's growth,' Makhubela said, noting that the market's 16 agents, including six black economic empowered agents, are vital for promoting inclusivity. Joburg Market's modernization plans are ambitious but face hurdles. The R3.2bn capitalization program is still under review. 'This is a ripe opportunity for investment with good returns,' Makhubela said. The conference will also address macro-environmental challenges, such as climate change and increasing competition, which threaten the sustainability of wholesale markets. Joburg Market's strategy Aldo underlines the need to develop of human capital and the integration of systems to maintain competitiveness. 'Johannesburg is proud to serve as the gateway to Africa for this gathering,' Makhubela said. The event will also play a role in shaping the future of fresh produce markets through innovation and analysts view the conference as a critical juncture for Africa's fresh produce sector. 'Africa's agricultural potential is undeniable, but it needs investment in infrastructure and technology to compete globally,' commented Thandiwe Nkosi, an agricultural economist at the University of Pretoria. She noted that Joburg Market's scale and strategic vision position it favorably to lead this transformation, provided it secures the necessary funding. As Johannesburg prepares to welcome delegates from around the world, the focus is on Africa's capacity to convert its extensive resources into tangible economic benefits. For Makhubela, the conference is more than just a forum for discussion; it is a catalyst for action. 'We want practical outcomes,' he said. 'This is about building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation to ensure Africa's fresh produce markets thrive.' BUSINESS REPORT
