South African graduates interested in building careers in agriculture, grain management, commodity markets, agricultural finance and risk management can apply for the AFGRI Graduate Programme 2027.
AFGRI is offering two Graduate opportunities within its Grain Management Department in Centurion, Gauteng. The programme will run for 18 months, commencing on 1 February 2027, giving successful candidates an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in the agricultural and grain industry.
The opportunity is particularly suitable for graduates with qualifications in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Agriculture, Economics, Finance, Risk Management or related disciplines.
- Applications close on 30 September 2026.
AFGRI Graduate Programme 2027 Overview
| Vacancy Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | AFGRI |
| Position | Graduate (X2) |
| Reference Number | AO-2456 |
| Department | Grain Management |
| Number of Positions | 2 |
| Location | Centurion, Gauteng |
| Work Level | Student/Graduate |
| Job Type | Contract |
| Programme Duration | 18 months |
| Start Date | 1 February 2027 |
| Salary | Market Related |
| Employment Equity | Yes |
| Closing Date | 30 September 2026 |
About the AFGRI Graduate Programme
The AFGRI Graduate Programme provides graduates with an opportunity to transition from academic study into practical employment within the agricultural sector.
Successful candidates will be placed in the Grain Management Department, where they can gain exposure to different aspects of the grain value chain and develop an understanding of the commercial and operational factors that influence the industry.
The programme may provide practical exposure to areas such as:
- Grain management
- Agricultural markets
- Commodity markets
- Commercial analysis
- Risk management
- Grain logistics
- Silo operations
- The wider agricultural value chain
This makes the programme particularly relevant to graduates who want to combine their academic knowledge with practical experience in agriculture, economics, finance and commercial decision-making.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have completed an NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Agricultural Economics
- Agribusiness Management
- Agriculture
- Economics
- Finance
- Risk Management
- A related agricultural or commercial discipline
Candidates should have a good academic background and be comfortable working with quantitative information, financial concepts, economic analysis or agricultural data.
Additional Requirements
Applicants should also meet the following requirements:
- Computer literacy.
- Practical proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Candidates who do not currently have a driver’s licence should be able to obtain one before the graduate programme begins.
Advantageous Qualifications and Experience
Although this is a graduate opportunity, relevant practical exposure and additional qualifications may strengthen an applicant’s profile.
Experience or knowledge in areas such as the following will be advantageous:
- Grain production
- Agricultural markets
- Commodity trading
- Grain logistics
- Silo operations
Completion of the Agricultural Products Markets Dealers Exam may also be beneficial.
Relevant short courses or knowledge covering the following areas can further strengthen an application:
- JSE agricultural derivatives
- Futures and options
- Hedging
- Price-risk management
Applicants who have completed vacation work, internships, job-shadowing programmes or other practical agricultural experiences may also benefit from this exposure.
Postgraduate studies in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Finance or Risk Management may provide an additional advantage.
Skills and Competencies
AFGRI is looking for graduates who demonstrate the potential to develop successful careers within the agricultural and grain industry.
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical skills.
- Numerical and data-analysis ability.
- Commercial awareness.
- Interest in agricultural and commodity markets.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Adaptability and flexibility.
- Willingness to learn.
- Good organisational skills.
- Effective time management.
- Professionalism and integrity.
- Reliability and accountability.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a team.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
- Patience and resilience.
- Conflict-resolution skills.
- A proactive approach to work.
Candidates should also demonstrate genuine interest in developing a long-term career in the agricultural and grain sector.
What Will Graduates Gain From the Programme?
Graduate programmes provide an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real workplace situations while developing professional skills.
At AFGRI, graduates working within Grain Management can gain insight into the commercial and operational aspects of the agricultural value chain.
The experience may help prepare graduates for future careers in areas such as:
- Agricultural economics
- Agribusiness management
- Grain management
- Commodity trading
- Agricultural finance
- Risk management
- Grain logistics
- Market analysis
- Commercial agriculture
The 18-month programme can therefore provide valuable practical exposure for graduates who want to establish themselves in the agricultural industry.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is aimed at graduates who have completed an appropriate NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree and meet the additional requirements specified for the opportunity.
It may be particularly suitable for candidates who have a strong interest in agriculture but also want to work with economics, finance, markets, risk, logistics and commercial analysis.
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications and experience clearly demonstrate their suitability for the Grain Management Department.
How to Apply for the AFGRI Graduate Programme 2027
Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the official AFGRI recruitment portal.
Applicants should search for the Graduate opportunity and use Reference Number AO-2456 where required.
Before submitting, candidates should ensure that their CV contains accurate and up-to-date information about their education, skills, experience and relevant agricultural exposure.
Applicants should also have relevant supporting documents available, such as:
- Updated CV
- Academic qualifications
- Academic transcript or academic record
- Identification document
- Driver’s licence, where applicable
- Relevant professional or short-course certificates
Candidates should follow all instructions provided on the official recruitment portal.
AFGRI Graduate Programme Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 30 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline. Late applications may not be considered.
Important Information for Applicants
- AFGRI indicates that communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
- Candidates who have not received feedback within 30 days after the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful.
- The recruitment process will also be conducted in accordance with AFGRI’s Employment Equity Policy.
Final Thoughts
The AFGRI Graduate Programme 2027 offers two graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within the agricultural and grain industry.
Based in Centurion, Gauteng, the 18-month programme provides exposure to areas such as grain management, agricultural markets, commercial analysis, logistics and risk management.
Graduates with an appropriate NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree, strong analytical abilities, computer skills and an interest in agriculture and commodity markets should consider applying.
Submit your application through the official AFGRI recruitment portal before 30 September 2026, using Reference Number AO-2456.
