Leveraging AgriTech for Export Readiness in South Africa

Driving innovation to unlock global markets for South African agriculture

June 24, 2026

Tempus Dynamics founder Tandi Matoti-Mvalo showcases export-ready plant-based products at the Japan Food Export Fair (JFEX).

UNDP

By Janet Thorlie

One of the most notable shifts in South Africa’s agricultural sector is the growing use of drones and digital technologies, transforming farming into a driver of innovation, export growth, and economic opportunity. Farmers are increasingly using technology to monitor crop health, improve harvesting and packaging, reduce losses, and strengthen access to global markets. From Limpopo and Mpumalanga to the vineyards of the Western Cape, AgriTech and digital innovation are reshaping farms and food production spaces while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.

The United Nations Development Programme in South, with support from the Government of Japan, is at the forefront of the transformation is helping farmers and agri-enterprises use technology and innovation to strengthen production, improve competitiveness, and unlock new export opportunities. Through the Leveraging Agri-Tech and AI for Sustainable Agricultural and Export Development initiative, farmers are gaining access to smarter farming solutions, digital tools and new pathways to participate in international markets.

Since its inception, the initiative has equipped 114 farmers and AgriTech businesses with AI-enabled solutions, digital technologies, and targeted business development support to strengthen their export readiness. The programme delivers export training, compliance and certification assistance, business acceleration, and access to international trade platforms to help producers improve competitiveness, meet global market standards, and secure direct connections with international buyers.For many small and emerging businesses, this support is creating new pathways to access international markets and expand beyond local production.

One business benefiting from this support is Tempus Dynamics, founded by food innovator Tandi Matoti-Mvalo. The company produces plant-based milk alternatives including soy, oat, rice, almond, and coconut milk powders. The company developed its plant-based milk products in response to growing global demand for dairy alternatives and increasing consumer interest in lactose-free options. Through the UNDP Agri-Tech initiative, the company participated in the Japan Food Export Fair (JFEX), where it connected directly with buyers from major retail chains across Asia.

Matoti-Mvalo says Japan stood out as a strong market because of its high standards for quality products. “These were buyers of big chain stores from all over Asia,” she explains. “It was a big opportunity for us to be placed at that stage.” The exposure has already created new export opportunities, with the company now in discussions with a major supermarket chain in Japan while also exploring opportunities in other Asian markets, including China. “We are in serious negotiations with a large supermarket chain,” she says. “You are going to see the product in Japan soon.”

For Matoti-Mvalo, export readiness is about more than having a quality product; it also requires access to markets, certifications, funding, and credibility. She says support through the UNDP Agri-Tech initiative has helped strengthen the company’s visibility and reputation with international buyers. “When organisations such as the UNDP are willing to put their name next to yours, it means you are seen as a quality supplier,” she explains. “People start to take you seriously.

South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to face challenges ranging from climate pressures to limited access to global markets for small producers. The United Nations Development Programme Agri-Tech project is showing what is possible when technology, business support, and export opportunities come together to support local innovation. For many farmers and AgriTech businesses, the shift is no longer just about producing for local markets but about building globally competitive businesses from South African soil.

For entrepreneurs like Tandi Matoti-Mvalo, access to international platforms and institutional support is helping transform local ideas into export-ready businesses with global potential. Beyond creating market opportunities, initiatives such as the UNDP Agri-Tech project are helping small businesses build credibility, expand their reach, and demonstrate how African innovation can compete internationally.

Watch Tandi Matoti-Mvalo's Story