World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference highlights Africa's role in global food security

Industry leaders and government officials descended at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday as the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference kicked off. 

The event highlighted Africa’s growing significance in the global fresh produce industry while addressing critical issues such as food security, climate change, and the modernisation of markets.

The conference, themed “The African Edition: Shaping the Future of Fresh Produce through Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusivity,” was hosted by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the African continent.

Joburg Market plays a central role in South Africa’s agricultural economy. In the 2023/24 financial year, it reported sales of R11.3 billion and processed 1.4 million tons of produce.

The market holds a 46% share of the national market, surpassing competitors in Tshwane, Durban, and Cape Town. It handles 600 000 transactions monthly, sources produce from over 8 000 producers, and serves 14000 daily buyers, with a registered buyer database of 100 000.

Day one of the conference began with MMC for Economic Development for the City of Johannesburg, Nomoya Mnisi, who said it was fitting that the WUWM decided to host its first conference on the African continent during Africa month.

Mnisi said, "Johannesburg is the pulse of Africa and the beating heart of the continent. The world is watching watching as climate change effects are felt around the globe, which highlights the importance of this conference. Climate change has a ripple effect on food security  and it is vital that we turn markets onto engines of food security." 

WUWM chairperson, Stephane Layani conveyed his gratitude to his South African colleagues and leaders for being gracious hosts of the conference. 

Layani said, "This gives us a great opportunity for a deepening collaboration with Africa and further momentum for international collaboration. Advanced thinking is now needed for food systems as it is the back bone of global food security. Climate change is having an impact on the food chain. It is no longer a distant problem anymore, it is here and the effects can be seen far and wide."

Layani added that the entire food value chain is feeling the ripple effect. 

"In terms of innovation, we will lead the way as fresh markets have been around for centuries. We need to maintain trade between major nations, without tariffs," Layani declared during his address at the conference. 

Layani said that inclusivity is vital in the sector as well.

"There needs to be support for local farmers, they can be engines of employment for young people and women. With meaningful discussions, we can tackle the challenges that lay ahead. Sustainability, innovation, food security and fairness are the foundations that we must build on. By shaping the future of the fresh food markets, we are also securing food security. 

Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, was also present at the conference and welcomed dignitaries to the vibrant city in South Africa. 

Morero said, "It is an honour to welcome the conference to Johannesburg. The themes of the conference directly aligns with our country's National Development Plan. We view food systems central to shaping the livelihoods of our people. Johannesburg is positioning itself for solutions as we cannot ignore the crisis mounting in the agriculture sector. We will step up to the challenge of redesigning our market infrastructure so energy may be conserved and waste minimised."

"The rise of digital in agriculture is also something that we need to keep up with. It reshapes how food moves and is priced. It also needs to be inclusive, something that is a call to action for cities and states so markets can be reimagined,"Morero further added. 

South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, also echoed feelings of honour welcoming the global gathering to African soil. 

Tau said at the conference, "The agriculture sector faces many challenges globally. Food security is at the forefront for many nations. Here in South Africa, households struggle to access nutritious food. Liberating trade agreements, building public and private partnerships, we aim to position South Africa as a major player in stabilising global food security."

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