Indigenous knowledge, traditional wisdom, research and science took centre stage to empower communities and foster economic opportunities at the 3rd SA Indigenous Knowledge and Bio-Trade Indaba held at the East London ICC 21 to 23 September 2026. The 2026 iteration is held under the theme: “From Heritage to Enterprise: Commercialising Indigenous Knowledge-Based Innovations for Inclusive Development.”
The SA Indigenous Knowledge and Biotrade Indaba is hosted by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration with the University of Fort Hare and the East London Industrial Development Zone.
More than just a conference on indigenous knowledge, the event aims to strengthen collaborations between higher education institutions, science councils, SMMEs, and industry to foster innovative pathways for the inclusive commercialisation of indigenous knowledge-based products.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems refers to the collective indigenous wisdom, beliefs, and practices, spanning agriculture, health, healing, and environmental sustainability that is passed down through generations. IKS emphasises harmony with nature, community cohesion, and ancestral respect. Guided by the national Decadal Plan of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), TIA focuses on providing support to innovations in the African traditional medicine, cosmetics, ethnoveterinary, herbal infusions, and nutraceuticals with a growing focus on cannabis and hemp.
Indigenous knowledge holders, including entrepreneurs, local and international researchers, universities, policymakers, investors, development institutions, and industry convened to explore practical strategies to transform IK-based products and innovations into inclusive businesses that support responsible commercialisation and socioeconomic growth in South Africa. The event also emphasised the safeguarding of ancestral knowledge while developing impactful, market-ready health solutions.
Vuyisile Hobololo, Head of IKS at the Technology Innovation Agency, said this indaba is more than a talk shop but seeks to expand partnerships among stakeholders to build national bio-entrepreneurship offerings.
“TIA supports Indigenous Knowledge based innovations to harness innovations with a focus on African traditional medicines, cannabis and hemp, cosmeceuticals (IK-based), ethnoveterinary, health infusions and nutraceuticals to serve as a source for technology transfer and commercialisation opportunities; Hobololo said.
Beyond the discussions and sessions, several IK-based SMEs, innovators and enterprises had an opportunity to showcase their IK-based products and engage with delegates and other innovators at the exhibition area. The exhibition served as both a marketplace and a platform for creating networks and partnerships.
Philasande Mahlakata, co-founder of Abalimi Bomya Association, was one of the innovators and panelists at the Indaba. “The Bio-Trade Indaba is bringing together various SMMEs and innovators to share ideas that could help us compete in both the local and international markets,” Mahlakata said.
Abalimi Bomyais is funded by TIA to establish a Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) for Cannabis Oil Extraction in Port St Johns. The CIE supports small scale cannabis legacy growers to develop high-value products like medicinal cosmetic oils to create a sustainable local value chain, providing jobs, and integrating marginalised farmers into the legal economy.
The collaboration with UFH and the East London IDZ is aligned with the quadruple helix approach to the beneficiation of IK-based products and innovation.
About the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a public entity in South Africa that serves as a key institutional intervention to bridge the innovation gap between research and development undertaken by higher education institutions, science councils, public entities, and the private sector, and the commercialisation of these innovations.