ABioSA is focused on the dynamic interaction between all stakeholders across the four levels of the systemic competitiveness framework; particularly how information flows, how problems are solved, how knowledge is generated, and how ongoing learning occurs.

Interaction between stakeholders at the different levels often is affected by issues such as trust, social and informal networks, formal relationships, common customers or common inputs and other factors.

Communication and engagement

ABioSA develops knowledge products to enhance the flow of knowledge and information. These knowledge products capture lessons learned, codify best practices and share insights that build the biotrade sector. They are already a legacy of ABioSA’s first two phases, and represent a narrative of institutional strengthening, regulatory engagement, research and market development across multiple value chains.

ABioSA harnesses communication for social and behavioural change, and is working to improve cooperation, collaboration and engagement with communities.

ABioSA supports two-way learning and knowledge sharing, and co-creation of initiatives.

Events

ABioSA is known for its participatory approach to events, encouraging commitment and understanding that leads to collaboration and focused action. ABioSA is a founding partner of the African Biotrade Festival in in collaboration with the South African government.

Its annual project steering committee meetings are attended by multiple stakeholders who contribute input and advice on future project implementation.

ABioSA hosts the popular quarterly Biotrade Stakeholder Forum in partnership with UNIDO GQSP, and organises regular dialogues between industry, government and traditional knowledge holders.

Between 2023 and 2025 ABioSA piloted a series of workshops with the Honeybush community in the Western Cape.