JOHANNESBURG, May 27, 2025 — A new research report by DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) reveals that Africa’s agricultural sector holds transformative potential—if it fully embraces technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI).

The white paper, “African Agritech: The State of Play and Potential for Prosperity,” emphasizes the critical role of innovation in boosting productivity and lifting millions out of poverty. It points out that a mere 1% increase in agricultural productivity leads to a 1% drop in extreme poverty—underscoring agriculture as a core driver of sustainable economic growth.

“Agritech is being used in amazing ways to improve everything from soil management to crop spraying and fire detection,” said Ian Macleod of the GIBS Centre for African Management and Markets (CAMM), which co-authored the report.

Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express SSA, echoed that sentiment: “As the world’s largest logistics company, we’re committed to improving lives and supporting sustainable economic growth. This paper helps shine a light on what lies ahead for African agriculture.”

The report is not just theory—it comes with action. DHL Express SSA has launched DHL Agri-Express, a breakthrough logistics solution designed to help agricultural SMEs, particularly in the avocado sector, send samples internationally without relying on traditional cold chain shipping.

This eco-friendly, time-definite express packaging can carry 6 to 50 avocados per shipment and aims to connect African farmers to global markets faster and more affordably.

The research offers a glimpse into how digital platforms, AI, and innovative business models can turn Africa’s agriculture into a powerhouse of prosperity.

📥 Download the full report here

^{Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Express.}