The 7th annual Food Indaba will run from July 7 to 20 under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and the Food System”, with 20 sessions scheduled across the city to explore how AI technologies are shaping African food systems.
Hosted by the SA Urban Food and Farming Trust, the event aims to examine whether AI will help dismantle structural food injustices or deepen them. “AI is a double-edged sword,” said Kurt Ackermann, CEO of the Trust. “It could improve access and logistics—or entrench existing inequalities.”
With less than 5% of global AI training data linked to Africa—and just 3% originating from the continent—concerns are growing about whether these tools are appropriate for local food contexts already marked by unequal access and distribution.
Highlights include walking tours through Bellville, Langa, and Cape Town’s CBD, offering a ground-level view of urban food systems. The programme is split between weekday professional events and weekend public sessions.
Two workshops on AI and food entrepreneurship will be held at Makers Landing by the Oribi Incubator, while a full-day conference will bring together South African AI experts to discuss ethical innovation in agriculture and food logistics.
Organisers say the Indaba’s timing aligns with global conversations on responsible AI. “Will AI reinforce power imbalances—or help reshape food systems to be healthier, fairer, and more sustainable?” they asked.
