Shape Africa's Rural Future at the 14th Annual ConferenceÂ
Join us at the 14th Annual Rural Development Conference Africa 2025!
19–20 June 2025
Southern Sun Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
This year’s theme: Resilient Rural Economies: Building Capacity for Economic Development
Organisers & Partners
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The 14th Annual Rural Development Conference Africa is proudly organised by MILLASA, a leading authority in promoting sustainable development and economic empowerment across Africa. With years of experience in convening impactful events, MILLASA is committed to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving initiatives that strengthen rural economies. Their dedication to uplifting rural communities through actionable solutions makes this conference a cornerstone event for leaders and changemakers.
About The Programme
The 14th Annual Rural Development Conference Africa is designed to address the pressing challenges and unlock the vast potential of rural communities across the continent. This flagship event serves as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and development practitioners to engage in meaningful dialogue and share innovative solutions tailored to Africa's unique needs.
This year’s theme, "Resilient Rural Economies: Building Capacity for Economic Development," underscores the importance of fostering sustainable practices, empowering rural populations, and creating pathways for long-term economic growth. Through a combination of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions, participants will gain actionable insights and tools to drive transformative change.
Key sessions will delve into critical areas such as agricultural innovation, renewable energy for rural areas, education and skills development, infrastructure investment, and the integration of technology to boost productivity and market access. The programme emphasizes collaborative approaches and the importance of community-driven initiatives in achieving meaningful outcomes.
By attending this programme, you will not only contribute to shaping the future of Africa’s rural economies but also position yourself as a leader in driving impactful, sustainable solutions. This is more than a conference; it is a movement toward a more equitable and prosperous future for rural Africa.
JOIN US FOR THIS IMMERSIVE LIVE EXPERIENCEPricing Options
Secure your spot at The Rural Development Conference Africa 2025 and gain access to expert insights, high-level networking, and the latest innovations in construction law and project management.
Speakers
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The Rural Development Conference 2025 Speakers
Programme
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Day 1:
07:00 Registration and networking
08:45 Opening remarks from the chairperson –
09:00 Nomtandazo Thandi Moyo | Deputy Director General | Rural Development, Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa
Topic:
Integrated and Inclusive Rural Economy and Multi-Sectoral Rural Development Strategy Roles of various stakeholders in Rural Development and building the Rural Economy
09:30 David Nefdt | Chief Officer: Projects | Casidra Soc Ltd
Topic: Unlocking the Potential of Rural Economies in the Western Cape 1000 Networking tea break
10:30 John-Mark Kilian | CEO | Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions
Topic: Building resilience and sustainability in rural communities through socio-economic programs that empower self-reliant livelihoods, increase economic options, and reduce vulnerability and dependency.
11:00 Jonathan Mndawe | Rural Development Advisor | Department of Rural Development Mpumalanga Government
Topic: Rural Youth Entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic inclusion for rural growth
11:30 Asanda Mbewu | Economist: Socio-economic Development Consultant | Anda Consulting
Topic: Economic diversification of the rural economy: potential sectors
12:00 Vukile Hlobongwana, Acting CEO – Amadlelo Agri Pty Ltd
Topic: Role of cooperatives in strengthening rural economies: benefits and best Practices, An Amadlelo and Seven Stars Central Co-operative case study.
12:30 Dr. Rachel Isabel Mkandawire | Policy and Research Officer | Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)
Topic: Policy Frameworks for Rural Development: Best Practices and Lessons Learned – A 10-Year Review of FANRPAN Projects.
13:00 Networking Lunch
14:00 Panel Session Panel
- Nomtandazo Thandi Moyo | Deputy Director General | Rural Development, Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa
- David Nefdt | Chief Officer: Projects | Casidra Soc Ltd
John-Mark Kilian| CEO| Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions - Jonathan Mndawe | Rural Development Advisor | Department of Rural Development Mpumalanga Government
- Asanda Mbewu | Socio-economic Development Consultant | Anda Consulting
- Vukile Hlobongwana, Acting CEO – Amadlelo Agri Pty Ltd
- Dr. Rachel Isabel Mkandawire | Policy and Research Officer | Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)
15:00 Closing Remarks from Chairperson
15:15 Networking Tea Break: End of Conference
Day 2:
07:00 Registration and networking
08:45 Opening remarks from the chairperson –
09:00 Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, Rapulana!
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL)
09:30 Nozipho Madlala | Chief Professional Surveyor | Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa.
Topic: Pilot Project: Digitization of Villages and Homesteads in Port Edward, Eastern Cape· The study demonstrates how digitizing village boundaries and homesteads can improve land administration, service delivery, and spatial planning in rural areas.
10:00 Networking tea break
10:30 Esther Mukumbo | Head of Post Investment | Masisizane Fund Topic: Blended funding options for Rural Development Projects
11:00 Russel Davies | Director of the Rural Education Access Programme
Topic: Creating diverse, achievable and sustainable pathways into post-school education & training (PSET) for marginalized rural youth.
11:30 Ndivhuho Ramuthaga | National Facilitator | National Movement of Rural Women Topic: Role of Cooperatives in Strengthening Rural Economies: Benefits and Best Practices.
12:00: Zanoxolo Futwa | Specialist: Planning Land & Rural Development |South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
Topic: Rural Development Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities for South African Municipalities
12:30: Simion Mashego | Youth and Land Reform Expert: Independent Researcher Topic: Towards attitude change and a positive economic relationship with rural land
13:00 Networking Lunch
14:00 Panel Session Panel
- Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, Rapulana!
- Nozipho Madlala | Chief Professional Surveyor | DALRRD- Chief Directorate
Esther Mukumbo | Head of Post Investment | Masisizane Fund - Russell Davies | Director of the Rural Education Access Programme
- Ndivhuho Ramuthaga | National Facilitator | National Movement of Rural Women
- Zanoxolo Futwa | Specialist: Planning Land & Rural Development |South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
- Simion Mashego | Youth and Land Reform Expert: Independent
15:00 Closing Remarks from Chairperson
15:15 Networking Tea Break: End of Conference
Secure Your Place at Africa's Leading Rural Development Conference!
Don't miss this opportunity to make a real impact. Join us on 19–20 June 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, as we work together to build resilient rural economies and create a brighter future for all.
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