From knowledge to impact: How Standard Bank's Agric Academy is growing Africa's agricultural experts
The Agric Academy equips Standard Bank people with the expertise to help clients across the agriculture value chain to navigate a complex and changing landscape.
When Standard Bank employees across Africa enrolled in the Agric Academy, they embarked on a journey that would transform not only their own careers but also the quality of advice and support they can offer to agricultural clients.
The programme, delivered in partnership with the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University and the University of the Free State, combines academic rigour with practical application. This ensured graduates returned to their countries better equipped to serve the farmers and agribusinesses that feed the continent.
Bill Blackie, Chief Executive Officer of Business and Commercial Banking (BCB), explains the programme's purpose, “This Academy is about equipping people with the tools, skills and knowledge to serve our clients, to better navigate the complexities of the agricultural landscape and to drive sustainable growth.”
Developing people who develop the sector
For graduates like Sanet Prinsloo, the impact has been immediate. She says the Academy broadened her understanding of agriculture in ways she never expected.
“The blend of academic learning and practical exposure has strengthened my technical knowledge and given me greater confidence in engaging with the sector. It has truly elevated how I approach my work. The content is relevant, challenging and deeply insightful and I can already see how it is shaping the way I think about agriculture and the role we play in the industry.”
This sentiment is echoed by George Barnard, a member of the 2024 cohort whose learning is filtering through to client conversations.
“The Academy helped build and deepen my understanding of agriculture and agricultural economics. Even though I'm a ‘stadsjapie,’ I'm able to speak the language my clients understand. I can grasp the challenges and hurdles they face while drawing on my business and banking background, bringing it all together to help solve their challenges.”
Nerintha Ryan, Head of People and Culture at BCBSA, notes that the Academy represents a significant investment in skills development. “We're equipping our people with the skills for the future in a sector where skills scarcity is a real issue. The partnership between our Learning and Development team and leading universities has been critical to making this a reality.”
Better advice, stronger clients
For agricultural clients, the benefit is clear. When Standard Bank professionals understand the nuances of farming, from climate pressures to market dynamics, they can offer more relevant financial solutions and more meaningful support.
Louis van Ravesteyn, Group Head of Agri-Business at BCB, highlights the importance of deep sector specialisation, “In a constantly evolving environment, like the agriculture sector, it's crucial to implement strategies and risk management methods to navigate successfully. Our people need the skills and tools to tackle present difficulties and foresee future ones, because that's what our clients need from us.”
“It’s been a privilege to be part of the inaugural cohort,” says Emmanuel Negombye, now head of agribusiness in Uganda. “The programme deepened my understanding of crop and livestock economics, value chains and sustainability, while the network it created lets us benchmark across markets and solve for clients across borders. That experience has shaped my career, and I’m proud to now lead the team I once learned alongside.”
A growing community of practice
Beyond the formal curriculum, graduates gain something equally valuable: a network of peers across the continent. Barnard explains:
“The programme provided me with a network of classmates across Africa in diverse economies and countries that I can call on for help and insight when needed. I've made friends and connections I didn't have before. I've learnt much not just from the lecturers, but from my classmates. Their challenges and their successes in their countries help me understand where we lack, succeed or can grow in my local environment.”
With the Class of 2025 now graduated and the Class of 2026 welcomed, the Agric Academy community continues to expand across South Africa and the Africa Regions, from Uganda to Lesotho, and Nigeria to Kenya.
Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank, emphasises that this is just the beginning, “The mentorship and ongoing support extends well beyond the formal training. Our advisors form strong relationships with farmers, so decisions are made jointly as they progress. We're building partnerships that last.”
Planting knowledge, harvesting prosperity
As Africa's population grows and climate pressures intensify, the need for skilled agricultural professionals has never been greater. The Agric Academy graduates step into this moment equipped to make a difference: for their clients, their communities and the continent's food security.
For participants like Prinsloo, the journey has been transformative. “This programme has been a turning point in my professional journey. It has equipped me with a stronger foundation to navigate complex conversations and understand our clients' world more clearly.”
Barnard sums up the sentiment of many, “I am deeply grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
At Standard Bank, we believe that when we invest in our people, everyone grows. Our clients get better support. Our teams gain deeper sector expertise. And Africa's agricultural sector becomes stronger, more resilient and ready for the future.
Together, we're helping Africa to keep growing.
To learn more about Standard Bank's commitment to agricultural development, contact your Relationship Manager.