Gauteng province announces financing facility for black-owned agroprocessors
Gauteng province announces financing facility for black-owned agroprocessors
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), together with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), has announced a R100-million blended financing facility to support black-owned agroprocessing companies in the grain, horticulture, poultry, red meat, cannabis and aquaculture sectors.
The announcement was made at the 2025 Agro-Processing Convention and Expo, in Midrand, on July 3.
During the event, Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile emphasised the importance of agroprocessing in Gauteng to grow the regional economy.
Gauteng’s agroprocessing activity accounts for 5.2% of the province’s GDP.
The R100-million blended financing facility comprises a 30% grant and 70% debt and has already received 188 applications.
GDARD says 32 of the applications meet the full requirements for funding, while a further 18 are under review.
Beyond financing, the facility will provide pre-investment support, facilitate offtake agreements and assist entrepreneurs in integrating into regional value chains.
Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa said the finance facility aligns with the Gauteng government’s Growing Gauteng Together 2030 Plan, which identifies agroprocessing as one of ten high-growth sectors that should be focused on.
NEF CEO Mzi Dayimani commented that agroprocessing was more than a sector; rather, it was a strategic gateway for inclusive industrialisation, rural revitalisation and food sovereignty.
“This partnership with the GDARD is catalytic and addresses historical funding barriers by offering structured support, technical assistance and access to markets. We are proud to be co-architects of a new food economy.”
