22 ON SLOANE LAUNCHES JAPAN–SA ACCELERATING AGRITECH AND AQUATECH PROGRAMME
Press Release | November 4, 2025
05 November, Johannesburg: 22 On Sloane, in partnership with UNDP through the support of the Japan Government, is proud to announce the Accelerating AgriTech and AI SMEs through the Japan–South Africa Partnership Programme.
The programme targets 50 local SMEs, with 50% women-led participation, and aims to support 100 smallholder farmers with technology adoption and productivity improvements. Participants will benefit from training, mentorship, international exchange (particularly with Japan), and market linkages.
“The green economy and farming have always played a critical role in the livelihoods of South African households. The introduction of advanced technology has accelerated progress in traditionally labour-intensive industries such as farming, which South Africa heavily relies on. The UNDP partnership, which provides access to the Japanese market, is vital and will serve as a springboard for South African farmers looking to expand into global markets like Japan,” says Bongani Ntombela, Programmes Director at 22 On Sloane.
Partnerships play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable impact. Empowering women and youth through market access linkages is essential to aligning with on-the-ground needs.
“South Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful engine for inclusive growth. Through strategic partnerships and access to global markets, we are equipping local innovators, especially women and youth, to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. As technology reshapes agriculture and aquaculture, our focus remains on empowering smallholder farmers and emerging enterprises to thrive, compete, and contribute to a more resilient and food-secure future for all’, says Phumla Hlati, Portfolio Head – Inclusive Growth at the UNDP.
Women and youth leading innovation in aquatech and agriculture are encouraged to apply.
To register click on the link or contact us on info@22onsloane.co
About 22 On Sloane:
22 On Sloane is Africa’s largest entrepreneurship campus, providing Startups and MSMEs with end-to-end support from idea to commercialisation through funding, market access, and capacity-building. With a campus in Johannesburg and a hub in Cape Town, it offers skills development, research, policy support, co-working spaces, and networking platforms.
Backed by a global team of mentors, entrepreneurs, and investors, 22 On Sloane also serves as the Secretariat for StartUp20 (SU20), an engagement group of the G20. It is the official host of GEC+Africa, which gathers 2000+ entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers every two years.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
For any media enquiries:
Bernadette Bule
Business & Partnerships Manager
22 On Sloane
