By: RootSource Media Staff,
Ledile Textile and Fibre Processing is pleased to announce the South African Industrial Hemp Fibre Processing for Commercialisation Conference, taking place in Cape Town on November 3–4, 2025. This event will bring together farmers, processors, researchers, policy leaders, and investors to discuss practical pathways for establishing a viable industrial hemp fibre sector in South Africa.
The industrial hemp industry is still in its early stages of development in the region. This conference is designed as a working platform for exchanging knowledge, assessing market opportunities, and exploring the infrastructure and investment needed to support commercial-scale production.
Focus Areas
The conference program will provide technical and policy-driven insights relevant to all parts of the hemp fibre value chain:
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Sustainable and regenerative hemp farming practices
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Fibre cultivar development and seed supply challenges
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Decortication, fibre refinement, and scaling production capacity
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Infrastructure needs and regulatory considerations
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Provincial implementation strategies and market development
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Investment, financing models, and risk assessment
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International perspectives from Africa, Europe, and Australia
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Hemp fibre applications in textiles, composites, plastics, and construction materials
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Economic opportunities for rural communities
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Policy collaboration between government and industry stakeholders
Product Showcase
Attendees will have the opportunity to see a range of hemp-based innovations and products, including:
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Textiles, yarn, and fibre-based materials
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Sustainable building materials and hemp composites
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Food, nutrition, and cosmetics applications
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Industrial and automotive components
Networking and Collaboration
The event will provide a platform for:
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Farmers and processors seeking market access
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Manufacturers, exporters, and procurement professionals
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Government representatives and research institutions
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Investors evaluating opportunities in emerging bio-based industries
The focus is on building connections and fostering partnerships to move South Africa’s hemp sector from pilot initiatives to commercial reality.
Confirmed Speakers (Alphabetical by Last Name)
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Phivo Artemides – Hempo-Sapiens
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Paul Benhaim – The Hemp Plastic Company
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Morris Beegle – Bio-Smart Group
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Julien Bonnet – Virgo Coop (Cabasa)
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Lenka Chitja – Land Bank
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Neliswa Dlamini – Trade & Investment KZN
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Dr. Johan Jacobs – Hemp Solutions Pty Ltd
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Dr. Maya Jacob John – CSIR
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Maciej Kowalski – Kombat Konopny
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Michael Laws – Minerva Green Pty Ltd
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Duma Maqubela – SEDFA
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Sergiy Kovalenkov – Hempire
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Preggy Pillay – Department of Agriculture
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Bradley Perry – MasterKey Africa
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Prof. Michael Rudolph – University of Johannesburg
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Joshua Schneider – Cultivaris Development
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Dr. Zoradzai Maroveke (“Dr. Zoey”) – Zimbabwe Industrial Hemp Trust
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Prof. Elliot Zwane – University of Limpopo
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Henry de Villenueve – Cobasa
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Dr. Felleng Yende – FP&M SETA
Who Should Attend
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Hemp farmers and prospective cultivators
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Processors, manufacturers, and exporters
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Research and development organizations
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Government agencies and policymakers
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Investors, financial institutions, and development partners
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Construction, automotive, and textile industry representatives
Purpose of the Conference
The South African Industrial Hemp Fibre Processing for Commercialisation Conference aims to provide a clear overview of the opportunities and challenges in developing the country’s industrial hemp sector. The focus will be on practical steps to build a stable supply chain, create local processing capacity, and position South Africa as a regional leader in hemp fibre production.
Cape Town, South Africa | November 3–4, 2025
Venue: Cape Town Waterfront Protea Hotel – Breakwater Lodge
🌐 Website: www.saindustrialhempfibreprocessingconference2025.co.za
For registration and sponsorship information, please contact:
📧 info@rootsourcemedia.com
