Staying true to this year’s theme, ‘Global agriculture, locally’, NAMPO 2025 hosted a diverse array of international exhibitors from six countries. Showcasing innovations ranging from precision farming equipment and AI-driven satellite technology to advanced machinery and regenerative agriculture solutions, these companies meant business.
SA Graan/Grain caught up with representatives from the six international pavilions to learn what drew them to NAMPO and what they had to offer South African producers.
United Kingdom (UK)
Spearheaded by the Department of Business and Trade, the UK pavilion marked its third consecutive year at NAMPO, underscoring South Africa’s growing importance as a market for UK agricultural businesses. Chimwemwe Chalemera, regional director at the British High Commission, emphasised NAMPO’s role as a flagship event for fostering business relationships. ‘Our exhibitors have been thrilled with the interactions at NAMPO, finding new clients and building partnerships,’ she noted.
The UK showcased an impressive lineup of innovations, including WHO PQS-accredited solar-powered refrigerators for vaccine storage in remote areas, advanced grain drying and storage solutions, and hydroxyl radical systems for growers and livestock breeders. A standout was the AI-powered ClearSky technology, which removes cloud cover from satellite imagery to provide real-time insights for producers, agribusinesses, and insurers. Additionally, sustainable water pumping equipment that operates without fuel or electricity highlighted the UK’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions.
According to Chalemera the exhibition focused on the UK’s expertise in sustainable practices like crop rotation and agroforestry, precision farming with drones and satellite imaging, and robust supply chain management. ‘These approaches, coupled with a culture of knowledge-sharing, offered pathways for South African producers to enhance productivity and sustainability.’
Türkiye
Türkiye’s participation in NAMPO 2025, organised by Turkish Machinery (Machinery Exporters’ Association), underscored the country’s strategic interest in South Africa’s $650 million agricultural machinery market. As one of South Africa’s top ten partners in this sector, Türkiye views the country as a key gateway to the broader region and aims to expand its market share and influence.
This year, Turkish Machinery focused on gaining a deeper understanding of market dynamics. Looking ahead, Turkish Machinery plans to introduce advanced technologies and innovative products at future events to better address local needs.
Thirteen Turkish manufacturers participated in the exhibition under the Turkish Machinery organisation, presenting a wide range of equipment, including soil processing units, irrigation systems, agricultural sprayers, and animal husbandry resources. Among the notable exhibitors were Yüzuak, specialising in irrigation technologies, and Sağlamel, a provider of disc groups and blades. Starmax presented its advanced feed production technologies, while Çelikel unveiled new feed mixers and silage equipment.
With its strong engineering capabilities, rapid adaptation to new technologies, and status as the sixth-largest machinery producer in Europe, Türkiye is well positioned to meet the evolving demands of the South African agricultural machinery market.
Argentina
Argentina, a NAMPO veteran since 2008, brought a focused delegation organised by Exponenciar, ICBC Bank, and Expoagro. Facundo Grimberg from the Argentine Embassy’s Trade Section noted the participation of three machinery companies: Apache and OMBÚ, both with established South African dealerships, and De Grande, seeking to establish a local presence. The pavilion also featured DonMario, a leading seed company, and Franco Fabril, specialising in no-till and regenerative farming methods and machinery.
Argentina’s exhibitors reported productive meetings with clients, reinforcing the country’s reputation for reliable machinery and sustainable practices. The focus on no-till farming aligns with global trends towards soil health and environmental conservation, offering South African producers practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.
United States (US)
The US pavilion, dubbed the ‘USA village’, featured companies like KSI, Walkabout Mother Bins, Grasshopper, Kansas Commerce, and Irrigation Components International. These firms aimed to establish local agents and dealers, leveraging NAMPO’s platform to connect with South African partners. Their focus on irrigation systems, grain handling, and innovative machinery underscored the US’s role in advancing agricultural efficiency. The pavilion reported successful business-to-business (B2B) meetings, signalling strong potential for expanded US-South Africa agricultural trade.
France
The French pavilion’s emphasis on long-term partnerships and sustainable practices resonated strongly with this year’s NAMPO theme. By facilitating B2B meetings, Business France created opportunities for two French companies – MG2MIX and BUGNOT 52 – to explore market potential and establish local distributor networks.
MG2MIX, marking its tenth year at NAMPO, showcased its expertise in customised premixes and advanced nutritional solutions designed to enhance animal health and performance. BUGNOT 52, a specialist in robust, high-efficiency machinery for soil preparation, crop care, and green space management, aimed to connect with distributors to expand its footprint in the region.
Akhona Sikhakhane, trade development advisor at Business France, emphasised the pavilion’s focus on building strategic partnerships through targeted B2B meetings. ‘Our presence at NAMPO reflects France’s dedication to fostering innovation-driven collaborations. MG2MIX and BUGNOT 52 brought niche, high-quality solutions that resonate with South African producers and agribusinesses,’ Sikhakhane added.
Brazil
The Brazilian pavilion, supported by ABMAQ and Apex, Brazil’s Machinery Solutions project, showcased companies like Baldan, Inroda, Piccin, MagnoJet and Germek. Rayane Silva, business intelligence coordinator at ABMAQ, noted that many Brazilian companies, such as JACTO and Nogueira, have graduated to independent exhibitions after years in the pavilion. This year’s participants offered a range of solutions, from soil preparation equipment to spraying systems, reflecting Brazil’s expertise in mechanised agriculture. The pavilion’s long-standing presence at NAMPO underscores Brazil’s commitment to South Africa’s agricultural sector, she added.
NAMPO 2025 was a dynamic celebration of global agricultural innovation, where international exhibitors presented a wide range of solutions aimed at addressing South Africa’s farming challenges, while also gaining valuable insights from the local agricultural landscape. These interactions not only cultivated meaningful business relationships but also provided South African producers with fresh perspectives on sustainability, mechanisation, and collaboration.
