40 under 40 - African Agri Council

ABOUT THE EVENT

The African Agri Council is pleased to announce the 40 under 40 Rising Stars event.

The Rising Stars initiative aims to highlight the exceptional contributions of Africa’s young innovators and trailblazers in agriculture. By showcasing these individuals, we seek to inspire others, foster collaboration, and drive positive change within the agricultural sector. Recognizing the efforts of those under 40 helps to elevate the visibility of innovative practices and encourages investment and support for the next generation of agricultural leaders.

These outstanding trailblazers, rainmakers, and innovators will be celebrated during the African Agri Council’s Market Access Africa conference in Durban, at the prestigious Gala Dinner on Tuesday 3 June 2025

NOMINATION CRITERIA

Innovation

Highlight breakthroughs in agricultural technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, funding, and transformative business models.

Leadership

Demonstrate commitment to food security, sustainability, and equitable market access through exemplary leadership.

Impact

Showcase measurable contributions to productivity,
job creation, environmental stewardship, and social empowerment.

Advocacy

Influence policies supporting farmers, food security, sustainability, and job creation through active advocacy.

Education & Mentorship

Foster agricultural leadership through mentorship, skill development, and capacity-building initiatives.

Sustainability

Commit to environmentally friendly practices that enhance biodiversity and long-term agricultural productivity.

Research & Development

Advance agricultural science with innovative research improving yields and farming techniques.

Media / Communications / PR

Shape agricultural narratives through impactful journalism,
PR, and advocacy-driven storytelling.

SPONSORSHIP: GALA DINNER & RECOGNITION CEREMONY

Brand Visibility: Logo placement and organisation profile (75 words company description) on pre-/onsite/post event collateral including MAA25 programme brochure, website and show-guide,
Acknowledgement on all sponsor signage onsite
Opportunity to place literature on all tables / seats before start of session and can have pull up banners on stage (Client to supply)
Client to provide the AAC with details of attendees for registration (full name, job title,company,country, email, mobile number and telephone number)
Acknowledgement of sponsor status (logo) on all published promotional material prior to MAA25 including: selected print adverts where space is permitted, press release etc.

SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS

Standard Sponsorship
ZAR 90 000 / USD 5 000

Tables and Seats Sponsorship
ZAR 20 000 per table / USD 1000 per table of 8

Individual Seating
ZAR 2500 per seat / USD 125 per seat

MEET OUR ESTEEMED PANEL OF JUDGES

Susan Payne

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Sustainable Planet Ltd Group Ltd, United Kingdom

Ntuthuko Shezi

Founder and CEO, Livestock Wealth, South Africa

Dr Namukolo Covic

Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), CGIAR Regional Director, East and Southern Africa, Ethiopia

Gilles Mettetal

Chairman: The Investment Committee, Diligent Capital Partners, France

Dr. Ousmane Badiane

Executive Chairperson, AKADEMIYA2063, Rwanda

Ade Adefeko

Director Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, Olam Agri, Nigeria

Allan Rwakatungu

Founder and CEO, Xente Tech, Uganda

Kobus Louwrens

Co-founder and strategy director: Food For Mzansi Group, Africa Media Perspectives, South Africa

Tracy Davids

Executive Director, Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, South Africa

Esther Kariuki

Head of Agriculture, Business, Co-operative, Bank of Kenya, Kenya.