Bühler to showcase smart silo technology at Africa’s premier agrifood investment platformJohannesburg (South Africa), 4 November 2025

Smart silos and grain storage technology will be the focus of a key presentation by Marco Sutter, Managing Director of Bühler Southern Africa, at the 8^th edition of the African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII), from 24 to 26 November 2025 at the Cape Town Convention Centre.

The event will bring together over 800 stakeholders, including investors, project developers, and government officials, to discuss the critical trends driving the future of African food and agribusiness over the next ten years and to analyse the economic forces impacting the sector in the coming decade.

Bühler’s participation underscores the vital role that advanced grain storage technology plays in addressing Africa’s food security challenges. Smart grain storage silos use sensors, monitoring systems, and control mechanisms to optimise grain storage conditions and prevent losses due to pests, moisture, and other factors. Advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning are being integrated into grain silos to optimise storage operations.

“The African Agri Investment Indaba provides an essential platform for Bühler to engage with key stakeholders across the agricultural value chain,” says Marco Sutter. “As Africa grapples with the dual challenges of feeding a growing population whilst minimising post-harvest losses, smart silo technology represents a critical solution. We are excited to share how these innovations can transform grain storage across the continent.”

The timing of Bühler’s participation is particularly pertinent given Africa’s current food security landscape. A recent World Bank report reveals that transportation inefficiencies are causing significant food losses in Africa, with 37% of locally produced food lost in transit due to slow processing times, poor infrastructure, and non-tariff barriers. Agricultural production is projected to decline by 18% due to land degradation and climate change, even as food supply needs to triple by 2050 to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.

Smart storage solutions directly address these challenges by reducing post-harvest losses through real-time monitoring of grain conditions, automated climate control, and predictive maintenance systems that prevent spoilage before it occurs.

“The African Agri Investment Indaba connects the full agricultural value chain, from production to processing to distribution,” highlights Sutter. “This comprehensive approach is exactly what is needed to unlock Africa's agricultural potential. Bühler’s smart silo technology fits seamlessly into this vision by ensuring that the grain farmers work so hard to produce is protected and preserved throughout the storage phase.”

The AAII serves as Africa’s leading investment platform for global agrifood investment, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership development across the continent’s agricultural sector.

“We view the Indaba not just as a speaking opportunity, but as a chance to forge meaningful partnerships that can drive real change,” concludes Sutter. “Africa’s food security challenges require collaborative solutions, and we are committed to working alongside governments, investors, and agricultural producers to deploy technology that makes a tangible difference.”

Media contacts:

Taryn Browne, Head of Marketing, Southern Africa

Bühler (Pty) Ltd.

Bühler Southern Africa

Phone: +27 11 801 3500

Mobile: +27 66 307 4618

E-mail: taryn.browne@buhlergroup.com

Dalen Jacomino Panto, Media Relations Manager

Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland

Phone: +41 71 955 37 57

Mobile: +41 79 900 53 88

E-mail: dalen.jacomino_panto@buhlergroup.com

Katja Hartmann, Media Relations ManagerBühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, SchweizMobile:  +41 79 483 68 07  E-mail: katja.hartmann@buhlergroup.com

About Bühler 

Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature in all its decision-making processes. Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler solutions. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, Bühler is in a unique position to turn today’s global challenges into sustainable business.

As a technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility industries, Bühler has committed to having solutions ready to multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers. It also proactively collaborates with suppliers to reduce climate impacts throughout the value chain. In its own operations, Bühler has developed a pathway to achieve a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019 baseline).

Bühler spends up to 5% of turnover on research and development annually to improve both the commercial and sustainability performance of its solutions, products, and services. In 2024, some 12,350 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company with a history spanning 165 years, Bühler is active in over 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 31 manufacturing sites, and research and training centers in 26 locations.

www.buhlergroup.com