Africa's seed industry gears up for transformative AFSTA Congress 2026 in Cape Town
The African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) is spearheading efforts to bolster Africa’s agricultural future through its upcoming AFSTA Congress 2026, scheduled for 23–25 March 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. This premier event, described by AFSTA as the continent’s most influential annual seed industry gathering, will bring together over 400 high-level delegates, including global seed company leaders, policymakers, scientists, and agricultural innovators, under one roof at the Century City Conference Centre. The congress aims to serve as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, exchanging innovations, and strengthening partnerships critical to the sustainability and growth of Africa’s seed sector.
Sponsorship for AFSTA Congress 2026 represents a strategic investment beyond mere marketing. According to AFSTA’s announcement, sponsors will gain exceptional visibility among Africa’s foremost agricultural decision-makers, showcasing their commitment to sustainable development and the expansion of the seed value chain. Sponsors also secure privileged access to dedicated networking opportunities, private meeting facilities, and speaking engagements, benefits that can drive meaningful collaboration and influence within this vital industry. While key sponsorship packages such as Congress Bags and Lunch Sponsorship have been taken, AFSTA emphasises there are numerous remaining opportunities, including translation services to promote inclusivity, delegate and speaker gifts for high-touch branding, WiFi sponsorship to ensure seamless connectivity, as well as entertainment for the opening ceremony and other event features like flower sponsorship and smoothie stations.
The AFSTA Congress programme is designed to deliver a comprehensive experience. Attendees will benefit from industry-focused sessions that address pressing challenges and opportunities in seed science and technology across Africa. Additionally, the congress will offer specialised exhibitions, including trading tables where businesses can showcase products, services, and innovations directly to a highly engaged audience of industry leaders and stakeholders. These trading tables aim to facilitate market expansion, partnership development, and the strengthening of existing networks within the African seed trade.
Registration for the event is now open, with fees structured for different categories of attendees such as members, non-members, accompanying persons, exhibitors, and students. The fees are offered in both South African Rand and US Dollars, accommodating a diverse range of participants. Attendees can expect an inspiring and memorable experience while contributing to the collective goal of empowering Africa’s agricultural future one seed at a time.
Supporting the organisational logistics, Paragon Africa has been engaged to assist with the coordination of the event, reinforcing the commitment to delivering a seamless and impactful congress. Promotional activities, including a congress video released by AFSTA, highlight the event’s future-oriented focus and underscore the importance of collective action in advancing Africa’s seed industry.
In summary, the AFSTA Congress 2026 presents a unique opportunity for associations, trade bodies, and businesses aligned with Africa’s agricultural development to engage at the highest levels, showcase innovations, and forge alliances that can drive food security and sustainable growth across the continent. As the event approaches, prospective sponsors and participants are encouraged to seize the opportunities available to ensure their active role in shaping Africa’s seed future.