Conference schedule announced for Organic Expo in Joburg 2026
Mark your calendars! The premier event for sustainable living, organic farming, clean beauty, and eco-conscious commerce returns to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 7–9 August 2026. While the exhibition floor remains open across all three days, the official Conference Programme for Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa will run on Friday, 7 August and Saturday, 8 August.
July 29, 2026
Sponsored by Standard Bank Business & Commercial, this year’s line-up gathers leading entrepreneurs, retail experts, regulatory authorities, and industry pioneers to share practical insights on funding, export readiness, retail shelf strategy, indigenous ingredients, and ESG.
Below is your complete guide to the two-day conference schedule.
Day 1: Friday, 7 August 2026
Theme: Funding, export readiness, storytelling, sustainability and local bounty
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday’s agenda focuses on equipping organic and natural product businesses with the financial tools, trade insights, and retail strategies needed to scale effectively.
10h30 – 10h35: Opening and welcome
Speaker: Warren Hickinbotham (Co-Founder: Organic & Natural Products Expo)
10h35 – 11h30: Panel discussion. (Financial and commercial support strategies).
Standard Bank panellists:
- Nokhanyo Ntshingila – Senior Manager Enterprise & Supplier Development Programmes & Partnerships
- Inayath Buckus – Manager, Merchant Acquisition (Gauteng Region)
- Lagini Givender – Head, Provincial, Enterprise Banking (Gauteng)
- Bayanda Maseko – Co-founder and Director of Noliqua Legacy (Pty) Ltd (Standard Bank Business Client and Participating Exhibitor)
11h35 – 12h00: The DTIC’s export support for the organic and natural products sector.
Speaker: Kwanele Mkhwanazi
12h05 – 12h30: Sedfa’s funding and support solutions for small enterprises in the organic and natural products sector.
Speaker: Colin Leshou
12h30 – 13h35: Midday networking and exhibition floor exploration.
13h35 – 14h00: “So you want to be on the shelf?” (Retail truths and 2026’s biggest organic and natural trends).
Speaker: Gary Jackson
14h05 – 14h30: A blueprint for ESG as simply better business and lifestyle choices.
Speaker: Lorraine Jenks
14h30 – 14h50: Going green made simple.
Speaker: Juin Cassie
14h50 – 15h15: Why buyers forget your product. (A Hands-on storytelling masterclass for organic and natural product makers).
Speaker: Ruvi Mudzingwa
15h15 – 16h00: Sensory feast experience. (A sensory celebration of local bounty).
Speaker: Nicholas McLean
Download your conference programme for Friday, 7 August in PDF.
Day 2: Saturday, 8 August 2026
Theme: Indigenous products, geographical indications, food systems and wellness
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday turns the spotlight onto indigenous ingredients, global trade protection, local food systems, and holistic wellness.
11h00 – 11h30: Welcome and opening.
Speaker: Babalwa Hopa
11h15 – 12h00: Cannabis and hemp panel discussion.
Panel members: Prof Neelaveni Padayachee, Dr Kirasha Allopi, Adv Simi Pillay-van Graan, Adrian Coutts
12h00 – 12h30: From indigenous plants to global markets.
Speaker: Wendy Tjitua
12h45 – 13h30: The Spinach King Journey.
Speaker: The Spinach King
13h30 – 14h05: Afternoon networking and exploring exhibitors.
14h05 – 14h30: Geographical indications. (Unlocking export value and protecting origin in the natural products sector).
Speaker: Ruvi Mudzingwa
14h45 – 15h15: The disconnection from our food system in a world of optimisation
Speaker: Melanie Erasmus
15h00 – 16h00: Sensory Feast Experience: A Sensory Celebration of Local Bounty
Speaker: Nicholas McLean
Download your conference programme for Saturday, 8 August in PDF.
Why you should attend
- Direct access to funders and export support: Engage directly with decision-makers from Standard Bank, SEDFA, and The DTIC to learn how your enterprise can access funding, grants, and international export pipelines.
- Actionable business growth masterclasses: Gain practical tools for storytelling, pitching to retail buyers, navigating ESG compliance, and protecting your brand’s origin through Geographical Indications.
- Immersive experiences: Don’t miss Nicholas McLean’s daily Sensory Feast Experience, celebrating the rich flavours and natural ingredients of Southern Africa.
- Three full days of exhibition (7–9 August): In addition to the two-day conference programme, explore hundreds of ground-breaking exhibitors across food, beverages, personal care, agriculture, and eco-living.
Event details
Dates: 7 – 9 August 2026 (Conference runs 7 & 8 August)
Time: 10:00 – 16:00 Daily
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Sponsor: Standard Bank Business & Commercial
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Grab your tickets now!
Ticket prices are R80 each and allows you a single attendance on any of the show days. A maximum of 5 tickets can be purchased per transaction. Tickets at the gate are R160 each, unless you are a pensioner or a Standard Bank card holder, in which case the price will only be R80.
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