Tana Malinga

The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025 took place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 18 to 20 September. Over three days, the event became a lively meeting point for producers, retailers, investors, and buyers in the organic and sustainable goods market. Exhibitors came from across South Africa and neighbouring countries, bringing everything from natural health remedies and eco-friendly cosmetics to organic food and sustainable packaging.

One of the biggest supporters of the expo was Standard Bank, which played a leading role in ensuring small businesses could participate. The bank’s SME Showcase Pavilion allowed emerging enterprises to exhibit at lower costs, giving them a chance to share space with larger brands and meet new customers. Standard Bank also took part in financial education sessions, guiding entrepreneurs on how to grow, export, and manage their businesses in line with sustainability goals.

A key figure in this support was Deenash Pillay, Head of Small Enterprises at Standard Bank. With more than 30 years of banking experience, Pillay has been a strong advocate for empowering SMEs. Speaking around the expo, he underlined that natural and organic entrepreneurs often need platforms like this to connect with markets and investors. He stressed that the bank’s role is not only to fund but to open doors for businesses that can create jobs, drive exports, and support healthier lifestyles.

Thanks to this mix of international exhibitors, township innovators, and strong backing from Standard Bank, the expo showed how green growth can become a real business opportunity in Africa.