Small agro-processing businesses are looking to benefit from the investment commitments announced at this week’s South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) 2026, after agriculture was highlighted as one of the sectors with strong growth potential.
President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted agriculture and agro-processing as priority sectors during the conference in Sandton, noting that South Africa is positioning itself to become a major player in the economy of the future and that extensive opportunities also exist in agriculture and agro-processing, to crowd in investments across the breadth and range of the South African economy.
Small businesses are set to benefit from the latest investment drive, with dedicated opportunities in priority sectors.
“Thirty percent of investment deals are allocated to small businesses. We have clearly identified areas where SMEs can participate, including agro-processing and the green economy. Provinces such as the Northern Cape are also preparing their own investment conferences to highlight opportunities for small enterprises,” said Minister of Small Business Development, Ndabeni-Abrahams.
A female entrepreneur’s journey
For Karabelo Motuba, founder of Worldie 21 in Koppies, Free State, the pledges signal opportunity for growth. Karabelo started her pig farming business in March 2023 with just 12 piglets. By November, her sows began farrowing, producing a total of 62 piglets within four months. Her business also includes vegetables and honey, and she currently employs two staff members.
“We are ready to expand, but there are gaps in infrastructure and access to services. There is only one abattoir in the Koppies, and I would need a proper farrowing house for pregnant pigs and access to a mobile abattoir to grow. Small businesses like mine have huge potential, but we need support to reach it.” she told Vutivi Business News.
Siphele Siyaya of Madlikivane Piggery highlighted the role small agribusinesses can play in South Africa’s investment drive, particularly in agro-processing.
“We are ready to take part in the growing agro-processing sector and benefit from the investment opportunities announced at the SAIC. Small businesses like ours can create jobs, add value to local products, and contribute to rural economic growth,” she said.
