The Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg will be a central hub for Africa’s burgeoning natural, organic and sustainable products, as the second African Biotrade Festival (ABF) and the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa once again join forces from Thursday, 18th to Saturday, 20th September 2025.
A Significant Collaboration
This partnership will showcase the Continent’s diverse biodiversity and expanding markets for indigenous, organic, and natural goods, establishing a key event for both the trade and consumers. Themed “Indigenous plant products and ingredients for food, health and beauty – from Africa to the world”, the African Biotrade Festival is a vital platform for stakeholders across the biotrade value chain. Hosted by South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) through the BioPANZA initiative, alongside the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Festival aims to connect buyers, traders, consumers, investors and regulators.
“Attendees will have a unique opportunity to explore Africa’s indigenous biological resources, discover innovations in products and ingredients, and meet producers, suppliers, researchers and traditional knowledge holders”, says Katedi Mantsho, Biodiversity Officer at the DFFE. “The Festival will also provide insights into navigating national and international market regulations, as well as understanding trends around key biotrade species, as well as exploring the intersection of traditional knowledge and scientific discovery.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about new financing approaches for biotrade innovation and understand legal and regulatory Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) compliance. The central aim is to foster sustainable commercial partnerships that benefit businesses, communities and the environment.
Concurrent Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa
Running alongside the ABF, the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa is the Continent’s dedicated event for these growing industry sectors. This event effectively serves trade buyers, while also welcoming direct retail sales to consumers.
The expo will showcase a wide range of local and international manufacturers, suppliers, importers and exporters from various categories, including health, body and beauty, lifestyle, home, food and beverages, and baby and kids.
The expo plays a key role in showcasing Africa’s capabilities in the organic and natural sectors, connecting businesses with new markets and promoting growth in an area that is becoming increasingly important to consumers worldwide. The expo is also recognised for its strong support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing them with a significant platform to reach local and international audiences alike.
The co-location of these two dynamic events creates a unique and valuable synergy, offering attendees a comprehensive view of Africa’s natural and organic products landscape, from indigenous biotrade to certified organic and natural goods. This collaboration enhances opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and business development across interconnected sectors, providing a holistic experience for all participants.
Small Business Support
Warren Hickinbotham, Head of Sponsorships and Partnerships at the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa, highlights the importance of supporting the businesses that form the backbone of this industry. “The organic and natural products sector is largely driven by small businesses, many of which develop innovative products but struggle with the cost of exhibiting,” he says. “Our expo provides a vital platform for these enterprises, and we are particularly proud of initiatives like the SME Showcase Pavilion. Small businesses are the cornerstone of job creation across South Africa. Facilitating this within a sector focused on health, wellbeing, and sustainability just feels even better.”
Participants at the joint event can expect a vibrant marketplace of ideas and products, interactive demonstrations, expert-led discussions and unparalleled opportunities to forge sustainable commercial partnerships. This combined expo will be a crucial meeting point for those looking to tap into Africa’s unique offerings, understand the regulatory landscape or discover the latest trends shaping these global industries.
Registration and detailed programme information for both events will be released in June 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to register for updates to ensure they do not miss out on what promises to be a significant gathering.
“The convergence of the African Biotrade Festival and the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa in September 2025 is set to be a significant event, raising the profile of indigenous African products and promoting sustainable economic growth on both a continental and global scale,” concludes Hickinbotham.
About the African Biotrade Festival (ABF)
The African Biotrade Festival (ABF) focuses on indigenous African plant-based ingredients and products for food, health, and beauty, aiming to connect global and local markets. It is hosted by South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), through the BioPANZA initiative with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). The ABF is organised in collaboration with the Organics & Natural Product Expo Africa, with close participation of the GIZ ABioSA and BIA projects.
About the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa
The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa is the continent’s only dedicated event for the organic and natural products industry sectors. It is designed as a hybrid event catering to trade buyers and consumers, showcasing local and international manufacturers, suppliers, importers, and exporters.
The expo is supported by key industry bodies including the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO), the Health Products Association (HPA), and the Cosmetic Export Council of South Africa (CECOSA). More information can be found at the [Organic & Natural Products Portal Africa] (https://www.organicandnaturalportal.com/).
Images: African Biotrade Festival (ABF)
African Biotrade Festival (ABF)
