🌍 Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), Brazil – July 2025
We are proud to share that Dr. Alina Dimakatso Ntsiapane, a Board Member of the South African Youth Business Chamber (SAYBC), recently represented both her country and our organisation at the prestigious IX International School – 2025, hosted by the University of São Paulo’s Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ) in Brazil.
The programme, held from 14 to 25 July 2025, focused on Biobased Tropical Production Systems and brought together 22 selected students from 9 global universities, including participants from the USA, China, Finland, Brazil, and South Africa.
As a dynamic advocate for youth-led agricultural innovation, Dr. Alina’s participation reflects the core values of SAYBC — championing sustainable development, international collaboration, and equipping young professionals with the skills to lead Africa’s green and agri-economy of the future.
“I wanted to learn from one of the world’s largest agricultural producers — Brazil,” said Dr. Alina. “The programme gave me practical tools for solving global challenges like soil contamination and food insecurity. I was especially inspired by techniques like biochar use and phytoremediation, which I hope to bring into the South African development context.”
Dr. Alina also emphasized the importance of technical exchange, global dialogue, and community engagement, values which mirror her role on the SAYBC Board. Her portfolio focuses on agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, and green innovation — and this experience has further deepened her understanding of how emerging economies can collaborate to shape resilient and inclusive food systems.
“It wasn’t just about agriculture — it was about solutions. Being exposed to Brazil’s success in agricultural transformation has helped me think differently about how we empower youth farmers and agripreneurs across Southern Africa,” she added.
Beyond the academic immersion, Dr. Alina also praised the cultural warmth of Brazil. “This was my first time in Latin America. The hospitality, diversity, and intellectual generosity of the people made the experience truly unforgettable.”
🌱 Empowering Young Agripreneurs Through Global Engagement
At SAYBC, we believe young African leaders like Dr. Alina are key to driving the next wave of agricultural innovation and food security on the continent. Her participation in ESALQ’s International School is not just a personal achievement, but a strategic moment for our Chamber — strengthening global ties, expanding knowledge networks, and bringing home actionable solutions.
We congratulate Dr. Alina and look forward to seeing how she channels this experience into her leadership and advocacy within the Chamber and beyond.
🔗 Learn more about our work at: www.saybc.co.za
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