Corteva champions technology and partnerships to strengthen African agriculture

SOUTH AFRICA – Corteva Agriscience, in partnership with CNBC Africa, hosted a live panel discussion in Johannesburg that brought together influential stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain.

The event explored how technology can drive sustainable growth in African agriculture, focusing on the seed sector’s future and the partnerships needed to build a stronger, more resilient food system.

According to Wandile Sihlobo, senior economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber (AGBIZ), Africa can become a global agricultural leader if technology, policy, and private investment move in the same direction.

He said that as the continent faces climate shocks and market instability, the focus should be on long-term change rather than short-term fixes.

“It is for this reason that Corteva Agriscience is committed to driving innovation in seed technology and farming practices. We don’t just create products. We develop technology that is designed around farmers’ real needs – resilience, reliability, and return on investment. When farmers succeed, the entire agricultural value chain succeeds,” said Abraham Vermeulen, commercial lead, Corteva Africa Middle East.

“It is also crucial that private-sector research must work hand-in-hand with supportive policy environments to unlock large-scale impact.”

Panelists agreed that Africa’s agricultural strength depends on building local research capacity. While global technologies are valuable, countries across the continent must develop their own breeding programs and scientific expertise suited to their local environments.

Participants emphasized that technology adoption is not only a technical issue but also a political and educational one, requiring consistent investment and planning.

A sector with untapped potential

“Africa’s agricultural sector, despite decades of underutilized potential, has shown resilience and dynamism, particularly in South Africa, where it has outperformed broader economic growth. The area under cultivation and yield improvements demonstrate the sector’s capacity for rapid growth when technology and infrastructure are aligned,” said Ferdie Meyer, managing director of the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP).

He added that trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are important but must be supported by effective logistics, border systems, and market access.

“Ultimately, technology adoption, responsive regulation and infrastructure development is essential to realising Africa’s agricultural potential and contributing to both local food security and export growth,” said Meyer.

Technology creating new opportunities

As a commercial farmer and CEO of Nkanyezi Group, Lebohang Dhludhlu shared how innovation has opened doors for young people and women in agriculture.

“Access to funding and support from organizations such as Corteva has enabled me and others to pursue agricultural ventures, showing that the sector can provide viable, sustainable livelihoods,” she said. “Practical guidance and market information are crucial. Data-driven insights, like crop performance trends and seasonal forecasts, allow farmers to make informed decisions about what to plant and when.”

Dhludhlu added that training and continuous support remain a challenge but are key to helping young and emerging farmers fully benefit from new technologies.

Throughout the discussion, participants agreed that Africa’s agricultural potential is vast and that innovation holds the key to achieving it. From advanced breeding and digital tools to sustainable farming methods, technology continues to shape a more secure and productive future for African farmers.

“At Corteva, we are committed to investing long-term in Africa, working closely with farmers, universities and governments to make cutting-edge technology accessible, practical and impactful. When farmers thrive, the entire agricultural value chain benefits, creating food security, export opportunities and inclusive growth across the continent,” said Vermeulen.

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