Tickets for Food Indaba 2026 are now officially live, inviting the public to be part of a dynamic, citywide programme taking place from 20 July to 2 August in Cape Town.
This year’s theme, Water Systems and Food Systems – Rivers, Oceans, Aquifers and Rainfall (ROAR), places a timely spotlight on the deep interconnection between water and food. The programme will explore how water flows through every aspect of the food system ,from rainfall and rivers to oceans and underground aquifers, and what this means for sustainability, equity, and resilience in a changing climate.
At its core, Food Indaba remains a leading platform for dialogue, bringing together farmers, researchers, policymakers, chefs, activists, and citizens to engage with pressing food system challenges and opportunities.
Conferences, dialogues and key gatherings
The 2026 programme will feature a series of conferences, panel discussions, and dialogues designed to unpack critical issues such as water resilience, urban food futures, and equitable access to resources. These sessions offer participants the opportunity to engag
e directly with thought leaders and practitioners working at the intersection of food, climate, and water systems.
Immersive walking tours
A standout feature of Food Indaba is its popular food systems walking tours, which provide on-the-ground insight into how food moves through the city.
Participants can explore:
- Bellville, a major informal trading hub, where the connections between markets, waste, and urban farming come to life.
- Cape Town CBD, tracing the historical and ecological layers that shape the city’s food system.
- Langa, offering a deeper look into township food economies, trade networks, and community dynamics.
These tours create a unique opportunity to experience the food system beyond theory, through lived realities, stories, and spaces.
A diverse programme of events
Beyond conferences and tours, Food Indaba 2026 will host a wide range of additional events, including interactive workshops, youth-focused activities, and collaborative experiences that blend food, science, culture, and learning. From hands-on cooking sessions for children to community-led engagements, the programme is designed to be accessible, educational, and engaging for a broad audience.
With a mix of free and ticketed events, both in-person and virtual, Food Indaba continues to expand its reach and impact, offering multiple entry points for anyone interested in building a more just and sustainable food future.
As conversations around climate, food security, and resource management intensify globally, Food Indaba 2026 provides a timely space to connect, learn, and act. Tickets are now available, with early booking encouraged for popular sessions and tours.
Save the date: 20 July – 2 August 2026. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and announcements.
About Food Indaba
The Food Indaba is hosted by the SA Urban Food & Farming Trust, with co-host and sponsor SOLVE@Waterfront. It is co-sponsored by the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security . Event partners for 2026 include ABALOBI and the Two Oceans Aquarium, Makers Landing, Cape Town Science Centre, UNESCO Chair in Science and Education for African Food Systems, Daily Maverick: Food Justice and Cape Town TV, SA Chef Magazine, The United Nations Development Programme
About the SA Urban Food & Farming Trust
Founded in 2014, the SA Urban Food & Farming Trust is a non-profit public benefit organisation that works through food and farming to strengthen South Africa’s urban communities and the ecosystems that sustain them. Learn more at fairfood.org.za.