Date: 2025-09-30 06:48:46

Property Development and Agroprocessing to drive growth at reSURGEnce Durban 2025

Property Development and Agroprocessing to drive growth at reSURGEnce Durban 2025

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12 SEPTEMBER 2025

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND AGROPROCESSING TO DRIVE GROWTH AT reSURGEnce DURBAN 2025

The focus of this year’s reSURGEnce Conference was clearly outlined during a live CNBC Africa Webinar, which took place on 11 September 2025. 

Property development and agroprocessing, as sectors to boost economic growth, emerged as central during the webinar and will take centre stage during the main reSURGEnce Conference Durban 2025.

Reverend Dennis Dillon, U.S. Convener of reSURGEnce, described real estate as a “win-win” for building sustainable partnerships and tourism, urging increased hotel development along Durban’s waterfront. He also stressed the need to strengthen agroprocessing links between local producers and global markets, highlighting collaboration with New York-based experts to advance this sector. He mentioned that many global leaders in these sectors are coming to Durban to exchange knowledge and forge partnerships.

Adding a local and personal lens, Cobra Bhengu, Head Chef at uMhlanga’s Mushroom Lounge, spoke of reSURGEnce as a platform for cross-cultural learning and culinary exchange. Recalling his visit to Melba’s restaurant in New York, he noted how sharing African flavours globally sharpened his skills and reinforced the need for a 10-year vision to grow Africa’s food industry as food connects businesses. He is implementing the skills and recipes learnt abroad at Mushroom Lounge.

EThekwini City Manager, Musa Mbhele, reinforced Durban’s status as a rising economic hub and called for faster development and deeper international ties.

Melba Wilson, founder of Melba’s of Harlem, praised the growing US-Africa collaboration reSURGEnce represents.

Angel investor and Uplift Communities CEO, Achumboro Ataande, emphasised the role of impact investing in unlocking capital for black-owned businesses. He noted that a diverse group of US investors is already engaging around strategic opportunities, with collaboration key to unlocking access to assets and equity.

The main reSURGEnce Conference, set for 22 and 23 September 2025 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, will expand on these themes. With a focus on translating Africa’s potential into prosperity, the agenda includes strategies for leveraging natural resources, human talent, and the continent’s creative economy.

Speakers at the conference include Dr. Alexander Chisango, President of the World Economic Congress; Ndaba Mandela, co-founder and Chairman of the Mandela Institute for Humanity; Dr. Michael Nkrumah, Senior Legal Advisor; Dr. Mzamo Masito, Africa Regional Lead for Canva; Dr. Bangani Mpangalasane, CEO of the Gauteng Innovation Hub; and Dr. George Fraser, founder and CEO of FraserNet Inc, to name a few.

reSURGEnce 2025 will unite government, business, and diaspora leaders to boost funding access, forge investment partnerships, and fast-track inclusive economic empowerment across Durban and the continent.

Registration for the main conference is still open. Register now at https://rb.gy/0q3coy or RSVP via meetings@magagamedia.co.za. For queries, contact Phumelele Khambule on 081 456 6836.

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.