The International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, hosted by the University of Limpopo from 22 to 25 October 2025 at The Ranch Hotel brought together participants from across Sub-Saharan Africa, including researchers, students, farmers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. The conference served as a platform for exchanging ideas and promoting the sustainable use of Moringa.
In the picture: UNIVEN representatives at the 1st Moringa Regional Conference
The event also honoured individuals and organisations leading Moringa-driven initiatives that contribute to improved health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The Moringa Conference was structured around three main tracks: the academic track, which focused on scientific research and developments across the Moringa value chain; the entrepreneurship track, which explored the establishment of a Regional Institute of Indigenous Knowledge Systems comprising the University of Venda, University of Mpumalanga, and University of Limpopo; and the student track, which featured paper presentations by master’s and PhD candidates.
The University of Venda was well represented by Professor Ntakadzeni Edwin Madala from the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology; Mr Rudzani Mamphweli, Community Engagement Officer within the Directorate of Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innova-tion and Commercialisation (DCEEIIC); Dr Dakalo Ndou, lecturer in the Department of Chemistry; Mr Maanodivhambele Nemavhola, MSc Biochemistry student; Mr Rhulani Chauke, lecturer in the Department of Nutrition; and Ms Tabea Mokhele, Senior Laboratory Technician in the Depart-ment of Food Science and Technology.
Prof Ashwell Ndhlala, Associate Professor and Bioeconomy Development Specialist in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, opened the inaugural Regional Moringa Conference on Indigenous Knowledge, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. In his opening address, Prof. Ndhla-la celebrateed the gathering of leading experts, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world to explore the remarkable potential of Moringa, often hailed as “the miracle tree.”
He emphasised that the conference provides a unique platform to harness indigenous knowl-edge and scientific innovation, unlocking Africa’s green gold and thereby improving health, wealth creation, and environmental sustainability.
He further expressed hope that delegates would gain valuable insights from the presentations and foster collaborations that contribute to the advancement of human life. “The Moringa tree symbolises health, resilience, and economic opportunity, qualities that can transform lives and create sustainable value for humanity.”
In the picture: Dr Carrie Waterman delivering a keynote address
Dr Carrie Waterman, from the University of California, USA, delivered the Keynote Address at the Regional Moringa Conference. In her presentation titled “Utilisation of Moringa as a Smart Crop for Social, Environmental, and Economic Opportunities,” Dr Waterman explored the diverse benefits of Moringa, from its nutritional value and use in animal feed to its medicinal properties. She cautioned consumers to remain vigilant about misleading claims made by some manufac-turers, emphasising the importance of scientific validation. Dr Waterman further highlighted the vast potential of Moringa for commercialisation and sustainable development across Africa and beyond, as well as the need for universities to establish innovation labs and empower students to co-create transformative solutions for society.
In the picture: Mr Maanodivhambele Nemavhola, MSc Biochemistry, presenting at the conference
Mr Maanodivhambele Nemavhola, UNIVEN MSc Biochemistry student, presented on the chemis-try of the ‘miracle tree’, Moringa oleifera. The study focused on the differences in phytochemical composition among Moringa oleifera plants. It gave insight into how these plants decorate their flavonoids with the rutinoside sugar. Depending on the geographic conditions, the cultivar used, and the genetics, these plants possess different phytochemical compositions. This presentation outlined that the accumulation of rutin in Moringa is cultivar-specific. It also highlights that not all moringa plants have the same metabolite distribution patterns, so different pharmacological properties should be expected. Molecular networking, a metabolomics computational tool, has demonstrated that the metabolite distribution in this plant varies according to the cultivar. This study shows that ‘Not all Moringa oleifera are the same’.
Prof Ntakadzeni Edwin Madala from the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology’s contri-bution to the Panel Discussion on the establishment of the Regional IKS Institute for Research & Commercialisation alongside Dr Mclean Sibanda, Commercialisation Executive at Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Prof Salome Mahlo, Department of Biodiversity at the University of Lim-popo. Essential discussions on collaboration for research facilities and project(s) funding among the institutions in the Limpopo Province. Professor Madala highlighted that he has been working on Moringa research since he joined the University of Venda in 2017. He raised an argument about the unhealthy university rankings competition, wherein the two Universities of Limpopo compete in terms of who is doing well in those rankings, rather than collaborating on critical projects aimed at addressing developmental challenges in the province.
Prof Madala further stated that he runs a Mass Spectrometry Laboratory at the University of Ven-da, , the only place where mass spectrometry is being done free of charge, supporting students and colleagues from rural universities such as the University of Limpopo who cannot afford to pay for mass spectrometry services at other universities. Prof. Madala indicated that he opened the mass spectrometry laboratory to foster collaboration and develop cutting-edge research with a global reach.
Exhibitors at the Regional Moringa Conference showcased a diverse range of innovative prod-ucts and services that highlight the versatility and potential of moringa. Through knowledge shar-ing, collaboration, and market linkages, these exhibitions are driving sustainable growth and strengthening the moringa value chain across the region.
In the picture: Mr Rudzani Mamphweli with the representative of the Makonde Indigenous Fruit Process-ing Association (MIPFA) showcasing their products at the conference
Reflecting on the conference, Mr Rudzani Mamphweli, Community Engagement Officer within the Directorate of Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation and Com-mercialisation (DCEEIIC), said, “It was exciting to see some of the businesses supported by the UNIVEN Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation exhibiting their products. This shows that UNIVEN is playing a pivotal role in supporting MSMEs and contributing to local economic development,”. He further highlighted his excitement about the possible launch of regional indigenous knowledge systems in the state, which will serve as a catalyst for innovation and commercialisation in the province.
The conference also honoured individuals and organisations leading Moringa-driven initiatives that enhance health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. University of Venda Professor Ntakadzeni Edwin Madala received the award for the well-published researcher in Af-rica, a testament to his ongoing excellence in Mass Spectrometry Research.
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