Matlhatsi Seloane, Deputy Director at the Department of Agriculture on How Agri-Tech Is Inspiring a New Generation of South African Farmers

As agriculture undergoes rapid transformation through digital innovation, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and precision farming, South Africa’s Department of Agriculture is placing young people at the centre of the sector’s future. The recently launched Agri-tech Youth Expo, held as part of Youth Month, reflects the department’s commitment to making agriculture more attractive, accessible and profitable for the next generation.

In this interview, Mr. Matlhatsi Seloane, Deputy Director: Sector Transformation at the Department of Agriculture, explains why youth participation is critical to the industry’s long-term sustainability, the barriers still facing young farmers, and how technology is reshaping agriculture into one of South Africa’s most exciting career and business opportunities.

Q: What inspired the Department of Agriculture to establish the Agri-tech Youth Expo as part of this year’s Youth Month programme?

The Agri-tech Youth Expo was introduced as part of our Youth Month commemorations to inspire, educate and empower young people to become active participants and future leaders in transforming agriculture through technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. We want young South Africans to see agriculture as an industry filled with opportunity rather than one rooted only in traditional farming.

Q: How does the department define “inclusive economic growth” within the context of agriculture and innovation?

Inclusive economic growth means ensuring that young people participate across the entire agricultural value chain—from production and processing to research, technology and agribusiness. Our goal is for youth to view agriculture as a viable, rewarding and future-focused career that contributes to economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.

Q: What role do young people currently play in South Africa’s agricultural sector, and how can that role be expanded?

Young people are already making important contributions as farmers, scientists, veterinarians, extension practitioners, processors, business leaders and agri-tech innovators. There is significant potential to expand this role by increasing access to opportunities throughout the agricultural value chain while encouraging more young people to enter the industry through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Q: How is technology transforming opportunities for young and emerging farmers across the country?

Technology is making agriculture more attractive, productive, profitable and rewarding for young people. Digital innovations are lowering barriers to entry by improving access to information, finance, production inputs, markets and modern farming techniques. As agriculture becomes increasingly technology-driven, young entrepreneurs are better positioned to build sustainable farming businesses.

Q: What are some of the most exciting youth-led agricultural innovations being showcased at the expo?

Visitors can expect to see a wide range of innovations, including agricultural drones, productivity-enhancing digital applications, e-commerce and market access platforms, as well as technologies designed to support rural communities. The expo also showcases advanced livestock breeding technologies such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), demonstrating how innovation is improving productivity and efficiency across the sector.

Q: What barriers continue to prevent young people from entering agriculture, and how is the department addressing them?

Several challenges remain. Agriculture is still perceived by many as a sector of last resort, associated with hard labour rather than innovation. Many young people are unaware of the diverse career opportunities available. Other major obstacles include limited access to finance, constrained government budgets and the absence of a dedicated youth empowerment fund. To address these issues, the department has introduced Norms and Standards for the Inclusion of Designated Groups, requiring departmental programmes to target at least 40% youth participation, including young farmers. We are also strengthening public-private partnerships to prioritise youth development and are developing a youth empowerment strategy that includes establishing a dedicated youth empowerment fund.

Q: How does the department support youth-owned agricultural enterprises beyond events such as the Agri-tech Youth Expo?

Support extends well beyond the expo through several government programmes, including the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), the Blended Finance Scheme, the Agro-Energy Fund and the AgriBEE Fund. These initiatives provide financial assistance and business support to help young agricultural entrepreneurs establish and grow sustainable enterprises

Q: In what ways can digital tools and smart farming technologies contribute to food security and sustainability?

Precision agriculture enables farmers to increase productivity while reducing input costs and limiting environmental impact. Young people generally adapt quickly to technology, making them well positioned to adopt climate-smart farming practices. Technologies such as climate forecasting, early warning systems, water management tools, drought-resistant crop technologies and digital decision-support systems improve resilience, strengthen food security and help young farmers remain competitive in a changing climate.

Q: What message would you like young South Africans to take away from this expo regarding careers in agriculture?

Agriculture is no longer an industry defined only by hoes and physical labour. Today it is an ecosystem driven by artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, biotechnology, renewable energy, data analytics and digital platforms. There are enormous opportunities for young people to build meaningful careers and businesses while helping address unemployment, poverty and other socio-economic challenges facing South Africa.

Q: Looking ahead, what are the department’s long-term plans to ensure innovation and youth participation remain central to agricultural growth?

The department will continue expanding awareness campaigns that promote careers in agriculture while showcasing youth-led innovations and successful agri-tech businesses. By highlighting innovative products, services and technologies that are transforming the sector, we hope to inspire more young South Africans to pursue careers in agriculture and become the next generation of agricultural leaders.

South Africa’s agricultural future is increasingly being shaped by technology—and the Department of Agriculture believes young people will be the driving force behind that transformation. Through initiatives such as the Agri-tech Youth Expo, targeted funding programmes, public-private partnerships and the promotion of digital farming solutions, the department aims to reposition agriculture as a modern, innovative and economically rewarding industry.

The message is clear: agriculture is no longer simply about producing food—it is becoming a technology-powered ecosystem offering careers in robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, climate-smart farming and digital entrepreneurship. For South Africa’s youth, the field has never been more open to innovation or opportunity.