Agro processors are a vital part of the agricultural supply chain. These processors typically take commodities and other inputs and add value to them by transforming them into other products. Whether this is taking beeswax and making candles from it, or a butchery making biltong, agro-processing covers a wide range of industries and business types.
The agri-processing sector contributes more than 10,3% to South Africa’s GDP. This sector contains large enterprises, but also a multitude of micro to small businesses. With significant volumes of underutilised raw agricultural produce, the sector still holds substantial growth potential.
SMEs continue to play a crucial role in job creation, economic growth and linking smallholder farmers to value-added markets. Yet many face systemic barriers, often finding themselves too large for small business support but too small to compete with major industry players.
Support for South African Agro-processors
To support small to medium-sized business development, Edge Growth has partnered with FNB to combine financial support and business development expertise. The Agro Processor Scale-Up Programme is currently open for applications.
It provides agro-processing companies with mentorship and targeted support, helping them seize strategic growth opportunities. These include boosting management and operations, integrating AI, finding more B2B opportunities and sharpening financial discipline.
“South Africa’s geoprocessing sector is rich with potential, but many black-owned businesses are still excluded from the kind of support that enables meaningful scale,” says Heather Lowe, Head of SME Development at FNB Business. “Through this partnership, we want to ensure that these entrepreneurs not only access capital but also gain the specialised operational and technological capabilities required to compete confidently in a fast-evolving market.”
The partnership acknowledges that South African small to medium agro-processing companies can no longer afford to ignore AI and the benefits that come with implementing advanced technologies, especially if they want to remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven and efficiency-focused market. Within agro-processing, AI can help optimise production, reduce waste, improve quality control and respond faster to shifting consumer demands. Those companies that continue to only rely on manual systems may risk higher costs, slower turnaround times and inconsistent output.
Through this programme, company owners would gain practical, hands-on exposure to how AI and smart systems can be integrated into their businesses to unlock management capacity, improve decision-making and build scalable operations. “AI and digital tools are no longer optional for growing businesses,” adds Lowe. “They are essential enablers of efficiency, consistency and long-term sustainability. By equipping SMEs with practical exposure to these technologies, we are helping them unlock new capacity, improve decision-making and position themselves for greater participation in high-value supply chains.”
How it Works
Designed for the majority (≥51%) black-owned agro-processing SMEs with an annual revenue of between R10 and R30 million, the programme targets businesses that process or manufacture food and other products from agricultural raw materials, including dried food goods, food oils, fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, spices and grains.
Eligible businesses must have dedicated founders or directors available for programme commitments, at least three months of working capital, compliance with SARS and consent to credit or background checks. Founders must also have a growth mindset and be willing to commit to the full 18-month programme, which combines in-person bootcamps with online mentorship.
This scaling journey will begin with a baseline diagnosis to assess each business and guide monthly improvements.
Participants will then receive coaching from experienced operators and industry specialists, supported by customised AI tools. The next phase will build skills and community through context-specific bootcamps, followed by specialist projects to improve operations and strategy. The programme will conclude with ongoing measurement and reporting, using AI insights to track progress and provide personalised support.
Participation in this 18-month intensive Agro Processor Scale-Up Programme will commence from July 2026 to December 2027.
A maximum of seven qualified medium-sized agro-processors will be selected to be part of the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
To enter the Agro Processor Scale-Up Programme, entrepreneurs must meet the specific minimum entry requirements. These are:
- Manufacture or process goods within the agricultural and food supply chain; for example, processed foods, dried food goods, food oils, fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, spices, grains, etc.
- Be at least 51% (fifty-one percent) black-owned with a valid BBBEE certificate or affidavit;
- Have a dedicated business director or business founder for Programme commitments;
- Have a minimum annual turnover of R10 million and a maximum annual turnover of R30 million;
- Have at least 3 (three) months working capital or runway;
- Be compliant with the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) (PAYE, VAT etc);
- Consent to and successfully complete the necessary screening, vetting, credit and background checks;
- Have a business objective to improve business growth through the key targeted interventions outlined in the Programme;
- Operate with in a B2B (business-to-business) and B2B2B (business-to-business-to-business) model;
- Not be enrolled in another business development support Programme;
- Have no legal claims or disputes instituted or imminent against the business;
- Not in a business rescue or liquidation process;
- Have a growth mindset and be willing to commit an 18 (eighteen) month Programme;
- Attend the Programme within a hybrid model with both in-person and online attendance required;
- Have computer video conferencing functionality in place, access to a stable Internet connection, and a distraction-free environment.
Provide the following valid documentation on request:
- CIPC registration documents;
- ID copies of all directors;
- Must be able to provide 1 (one) year management accounts or 12 (twelve) months’ bank statements from a business bank account;
- A valid BBBEE certificate (you can upload a valid sworn affidavit or a CIPC copy of your BBBEE certificate);
- Latest Tax Clearance Certificate;
- Valid documentation for necessary product and market-related regulations and certifications.
Applications are now open and close on Sunday, 31 May 2026
Agro processors are a vital part of the agricultural supply chain. These processors typically take commodities and other inputs and add value to them by… Read More
