The successful conclusion of the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa in Johannesburg (18-20 September) has reinforced the immense growth potential for organic and natural products across the African continent, with Standard Bank – Africa’s largest bank by assets – positioned to support businesses capitalising on this expanding market opportunity.
The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa serves as a vital platform for connecting businesses with consumers, retailers, and potential export partners, creating channels for business development and market expansion that align with Standard Bank’s commitment to supporting African business growth and continental economic integration. As it stands, the sector of organic and natural products presents significant growth potential for African entrepreneurs and businesses. Research indicates that organic products from Africa are currently exported to many countries, especially in Europe, and are being successfully exhibited in international trade fairs, demonstrating the continent’s established position in global organic markets.
“This industry represents one of Africa’s most promising growth sectors, with the continent uniquely positioned to meet rising global demand for authentic, sustainably produced goods,” says Deenash Pillay, Head of Small Business Segments for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank. “Our sponsorship of the Organic & Natural Products Expo reflects our commitment to supporting businesses that can drive economic growth, create employment and position Africa as a leader in the global organic market.”
Africa’s organic and natural products sector benefits from several key competitive advantages that position the continent for significant growth. While established organic exports like coffee and cocoa benefit most from the access to finance, crops like organic pineapples, mangoes, bananas and even potatoes have enormous export potential. Organic products from Africa are currently exported to many countries, especially in Europe, and are being successfully exhibited in international trade fairs. The continent’s biodiversity, favourable growing conditions, and increasing focus on sustainable agricultural practices create opportunities across multiple sectors. Africa presents a unique opportunity for the organic seed market such as vast tracts of arable land suitable for organic farming, growing awareness about sustainable agriculture practices and potential for export-oriented organic crop production.
“What makes Africa particularly compelling in this sector is our natural advantages – from indigenous ingredients with proven efficacy to production cycles that complement global supply chains,” explains Pillay. “However, realising this potential requires more than just favourable conditions; it demands strategic financial partnerships and market access support.”
Standard Bank is uniquely positioned to support the growth of organic and natural products businesses across the continent. The bank’s extensive African footprint provides businesses with access to markets, financing solutions, and export facilitation services that are crucial for scaling operations beyond domestic markets. “Our approach goes beyond traditional banking services,” says Pillay. “We provide specialised support for businesses in the organic and natural products sector, understanding that these enterprises often require different financing approaches, longer investment horizons, and specialised market knowledge compared to conventional businesses.”
The bank has been actively supporting diverse businesses across the organic products spectrum, including companies specialising in organic skincare, ethically sourced natural products, indigenous African beauty ingredients, and organic food production. This support encompasses both domestic market development and international export facilitation.
Several factors are driving growth in Africa’s organic and natural products sector. Consumer awareness about health and sustainability continues to increase both domestically and in key export markets. For smallholders who can meet export requirements, this opens up a path to improved income and long-term sustainability, while from organic produce and exotic fruits to processed goods and medicinal plants, the potential is vast. The sector’s growth is also supported by increasing recognition of Africa’s authentic ingredients and traditional knowledge systems. This creates opportunities not just for raw material exports, but for value-added processing and branded product development that can command premium prices in international markets. “The transformation we’re witnessing goes beyond agricultural production,” notes Pillay. “We’re seeing the emergence of sophisticated value chains that incorporate traditional knowledge, modern processing techniques, and international quality standards. This creates opportunities for businesses at every level – from smallholder farmers to large-scale processors and brand developers.”
Standard Bank’s pan-African presence enables the bank to support regional integration within the organic and natural products sector. This includes facilitating trade between African countries, supporting businesses looking to establish operations across multiple markets, and providing the financial infrastructure necessary for continental supply chain development.
The bank’s commitment extends to supporting policy advocacy and industry development initiatives that can enhance Africa’s competitiveness in global markets.
The success of both the Cape Town (March 2025) and Johannesburg (September 2025) legs of the Organic & Natural Products Expo demonstrates the growing momentum behind Africa’s organic and natural products sector. These events provide crucial platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and market development that contribute to sector growth.
“Our vision is to see Africa become a global leader in organic and natural products, not just as a supplier of raw materials, but as a hub for innovation, processing, and brand development,” concludes Pillay. “Standard Bank is committed to providing the financial tools, market access, and strategic support necessary to turn this possibility into opportunity. The organic and natural products sector represents a pathway to sustainable economic development that benefits communities across our continent.”
