According to Agricultural Business Chamber chief economist Wandile Sihlobo, South Africa’s agricultural growth path needs a focused trade policy strategy. South Africa’s agricultural exports for the first eight months of this year amounted to $8.9 billion, up 6% YoY. Sihlobo said the generally higher commodity prices had also contributed to this increase in export values.
However, he added that he thinks the industry and government should work collaboratively on strengthening the current markets through continuous engagements at the political and business level while simultaneously exploring new and promising markets.
“Ongoing conversations and collaboration between industry and logistics entities like Transnet are also crucial for the success of the export strategy. Logistics efficiency improvement is an integral part of the agriculture growth agenda that will ultimately deliver jobs and economic activity in rural South Africa,” Sihlobo said.
Source: iol.co.za