14 October 2026
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Story Siqhamo Hlubi Jama
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Photo Tim Mossholder, Unsplash
Speaking on Africa’s next enterprise frontier, Prof Patrick Okori, Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, argued that agriculture should no longer be viewed solely as a means of production. Instead, it forms part of an interconnected agri-food system that includes processing, logistics, finance, technology, markets, and infrastructure.
Africa’s agricultural future depends on enterprise, innovation, and collaboration
Africa’s agricultural potential extends far beyond the farm gate. The continent’s future growth will increasingly depend on its ability to transform knowledge, innovation, and resources into sustainable enterprises that create jobs, strengthen food systems, and unlock economic opportunities.
“Disruption, resilience, and agility are issues that are very important in Africa,” he said.
While agriculture was the starting point of the discussion, Prof Okori encouraged participants to view the sector through a wider lens, focusing on the business opportunities that emerge across entire value chains and food systems.
Looking beyond production
Speaking on Africa’s next enterprise frontier, Prof Okori argued that agriculture should no longer be viewed solely as a means of production. Instead, it forms part of an interconnected agri-food system that includes processing, logistics, finance, technology, markets, and infrastructure. This broader perspective opens significant opportunities for entrepreneurship and enterprise development across the continent.
“We need to think of new business models, enterprises that are organised around confirmed buyers and not just around supply,” he said. From food processing and cold-chain logistics to renewable energy solutions and digital financial services, Prof Okori identified multiple sectors where African entrepreneurs can create value while addressing pressing development challenges.
The discussion highlighted how innovation within agricultural value chains can contribute not only to food security, but also to economic growth, job creation, and more resilient communities.
Universities as enterprise partners
A central theme of the masterclass was the role of universities in driving enterprise development.
Prof Okori challenged higher education institutions to move beyond their traditional roles of teaching and research and become more active participants in building sustainable business ecosystems. “Our African universities are basically excluded from growing business across Africa,” he said.
He argued that institutions should play a greater role in business incubation, research commercialisation, entrepreneurship education, and industry partnerships.
This perspective strongly aligns with the University of the Free State’s commitment to societal impact through knowledge generation and collaboration. The UFS has been a member of RUFORUM since 2014 and is also a partner in TAGDev 2.0 – a 10-year initiative aimed at strengthening African universities while empowering young people to contribute to inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural transformation.
Practical steps towards economic growth
The conversation also focused on the role of entrepreneurs in driving change.
During the discussion, entrepreneur Tumelo Tladi challenged participants to move beyond identifying challenges and begin developing practical solutions.
“We need to lead this from the front,” he said, encouraging business leaders to mobilise resources and pilot workable models while addressing larger policy and infrastructure challenges.
Prof Okori echoed the sentiment: “Let’s start small and grow.”
Their exchange reflected a recurring theme throughout the session: meaningful transformation requires collaboration among universities, businesses, governments, and communities, but it also depends on individuals willing to turn ideas into action.
For the UFS Business School, the masterclass provided an opportunity to explore how entrepreneurship, innovation, and partnerships can contribute to Africa’s future development.
As the discussion concluded, one message stood out: Africa’s challenge is no longer simply recognising its agricultural potential. The greater opportunity lies in developing the enterprises, partnerships, and leadership needed to transform that potential into inclusive and sustainable growth.