MS. UNATI SPEIRS

Unati Speirs is a South African agricultural specialist, business executive, and board director with extensive experience in agri-business, policy, and international development. She has built a distinguished career spanning both the public and private sectors, as well as global institutions.

Born and raised in East London in the Eastern Cape, Speirs developed an early interest in agriculture. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Fort Hare and later obtained an MSc in Agriculture. She has continued her academic journey as a PhD candidate, reflecting her strong commitment to lifelong learning.

Speirs began her professional career in finance, working at South African Institute of Chartered Accountants while studying accounting, before returning to her primary passion—agriculture. She has since held several senior roles, including Head of Agriculture at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC); East London Industrial Development Zone and leadership positions within South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Her expertise extends globally. She has worked in countries such as the United States, Germany, China and Japan and has collaborated with major international organisations, including the United Nations and the European Union.

Speirs has served in various influential leadership roles, including:

• Board director at Hortgro (South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry body)
• Ministerial trustee for the Red Meat Industry Trust of South Africa
• Board member of AllJoy Foods
• Former vice-chairperson of the International Sugar Organisation
• Former chairperson of the UN Environment Programme’s Sustainable Agri-Food Production initiative

Known for her strong focus on transformation and inclusion, Speirs is an advocate for increasing youth and women’s participation in agriculture. She emphasizes agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security in South Africa.

Alongside her corporate and policy work, she is also involved in farming and agri-business ventures, combining practical agricultural experience with strategic leadership