How AfCFTA can transform SA’s agricultural exports and drive industrialisation

SINCE market deregulations in 1996, South Africa’s agricultural growth strategy is premised on continuous access to export markets in Europe and America, while also expanding export footprints in special markets in Asia and the Middle East.

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The government and the private sector in South Africa have been very 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 products composition, the country has a competitive edge in fruits like citrus, table grapes, avocados, apples and pears.

The country also has a competitive advantage sugar, wool, mohair, maize, nuts and wine products.

The country does have the capability to export more flowers, biosafety issues coupled with internal politics amongst black farmers, who are entitled to own 40% of the national cattle herd, have constrained the country’s potential to produce and export animals and related products.

In 2024, South Africa’s agricultural exports were valued at $13.7 billion (R250.5bn) where 30% of this generated from African markets, 39% from Europe, 19% from Asia and 6% from America.

While the African continent holds a lion share, however, exports are concentrated into the southern region because 95% of exports were destined to the Southern African Development Community area (SADC) in 2024.

Looking at the overall South Africa agricultural export profile, it can be deduced that 75% of export value is controlled by three agreements, the SADC Free Trade Agreement, US Agoa and the SADC-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, excluding the post-Brexit arrangement.