SA to focus more on Africa as an export destination

By boosting its agricultural exports to other African states, South Africa has an opportunity to generate foreign earnings and expand the industrialisation of agriculture. This, in turn, could optimise the sector's contribution to the country’s development and prosperity, writes Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

- Dr Sifiso Ntombela

Since market deregulation in 1996, South Africa's agricultural growth strategy has been based on access to export markets in the EU and US, while also expanding its footprint in markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Government and the private sector in South Africa have been successful in forging new trade relations and promoting the country’s image as a trusted and capable exporter of quality agricultural products.

In terms of product composition, the country has a competitive edge in fruits like citrus, table grapes, avocados, apples and pears.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

South Africa also has a competitive advantage in sugar, wool, mohair, maize, nuts, and wine. It does have the capability to export meat, but biosecurity issues, coupled with inferior cattle genetics among black farmers – who are estimated to own 40% of the national herd – have constrained the country’s potential to produce and export animals and animal products.

In 2024, South Africa's agricultural exports were valued at US$13 billion (about R252 billion), with 43% of this from African markets, 30% from Europe, 19% from Asia, and 6% from the US.