Private investment flows only where the right conditions exist and where there’s a clear probability of return. The World Bank was not born of altruism, but of strategic design. Its original purpose, shaped by U.S. interests, was to forge a global economic landscape ripe for private sector investment. This wasn’t charity—it was a calculated move to promote economic growth and prevent instability. Over time, our mission has evolved, sometimes drifting into humanitarian efforts. But during the past two years of reform, we have refocused on our core mandate: driving development and reducing poverty. The resources needed to achieve this require the private sector to be an active player. That matters now more than ever. Across both developing and developed countries, a question has surfaced time and again. What does the future look like here—and why should we invest in it? It’s a fair question and must be answered with actions, not words. At its root is a desire for development to deliver not just impact, but real opportunity and greater security. Click here to read full article.

South Africa, one of the 30 driest countries globally, faces a deepening water crisis, driven by erratic rainfall, over-allocated water resources (98% already committed), and consumption far above the global average. Without major interventions, the country faces a projected 17% water shortfall by 2030. The crisis is worsened by failing infrastructure, poor infrastructure maintenance, and high non-revenue water losses (47%) — well above international norms — due to leaks, theft, and inadequate metering. Government reports — the Blue Drop, Green Drop, and No Drop reports — highlight the severity: 52% of water systems fail or barely pass quality tests, 64% of wastewater treatment plants are high risk, and nearly half of municipal water is lost or unbilled. Major investments in bulk infrastructure are proceeding, including the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and regional bulk schemes, but bottlenecks persist at the municipal level due to mismanagement and institutional failure. Click here to read full report by JP Landman.

Trump slapped a 30% tariff on goods from South Africa. The tariff was due to come into effect on 5 April. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said that while the country was awaiting the full details of how the tariffs announced by Trump would apply, it was clear that the duty-free access South Africa enjoyed through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was likely over. “The exact levies, especially for South Africa, remain unclear, but we suspect there may be differences based on the type of product. The White House Council of Economic Advisers will likely determine the final tariff structure, considering factors like trade imbalances and non-tariff barriers,” he said. “While the uncertainty lingers, we believe that South Africa should seek a Free Trade Agreement [FTA] with the US once the situation stabilises. A stable and long-standing trade agreement would benefit South African industries, and we can look to Kenya as an example, as they have been able to secure lower tariffs through FTA negotiations.” Click here to read full article derived from farmersweekly.co.za.

The South African government has underscored the urgent need to diversify the country’s agricultural exports in the wake of the US decision to increase tariffs on its trading partners. The progress of South Africa’s agricultural sector has relied partly on exports, which now account for roughly half of the production in value terms. South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a new record of US$13.7 billion in 2024, up 3% from the previous year, according to data from Trade Map. South Africa also imports various agricultural products. In 2024, South Africa’s agricultural imports amounted to US$7.6 billion. The US accounts for 4% of South Africa’s agricultural exports. The biggest agricultural exports to the US are citrus, wine, grapes and nuts. These typically entered the US market duty free, and now fall under the tariff level of between 10% and 31% which Washington has levied on South Africa. The ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement after Washington’s move. Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

South Africa, the only African country that is a member of the G20, holds the presidency of the grouping until the end of November 2025. During this time, it could help drive the African continent’s food security agenda. The G20 is made up of 19 member countries plus the European Union and the African Union. Its members account for 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population. The presidency of the G20 rotates annually among member countries and is run as a troika made up of the past, present and next holder of the presidency. Though most of the G20’s agenda rolls over from year to year, the country holding the presidency has some leeway to set its priorities in consultation with fellow member countries. These priorities could benefit the African continent, especially as many other African countries have long struggled with food insecurity and low agricultural productivity. Based on my work as an agricultural economist, I would argue that South Africa could make use of its G20 presidency to support other African countries in building food security and raising the productivity of their agricultural sector.  Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

Yes, I know a lot is going on about Trump's tariffs and the devastation they are causing to the world and industries (I have written about the issue here). But if one takes a step back and assesses the agricultural conditions in South Africa from a production perspective, we are on sound footing. In addition to trade matters that will dominate the coming days as South Africa navigates the tariffs imposed by the U.S. authorities on our country, we should not ignore the task ahead of continuously building the sector and leaning on some optimism we saw before the Trump tariffs. The path ahead for South Africa's sector remains clear through the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), which took the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to draft. The AAMP's core objective is to drive inclusive growth in the sector by addressing constraints across commodities and cross-cutting matters such as land reform. Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

South Africa's agricultural machinery sales continue to show signs of recovery. For example, tractor sales increased for the third consecutive month, up 35% year-on-year in March 2025, with 671 units sold. The combine harvesters' sales were up 42% year-on-year in March, with 37 units sold. The substantial increase in sales primarily reflects the positive sentiment in the sector about the 2024-25 first crop and horticulture harvest based on favourable weather conditions and the base effects, given the weak sales in 2024. As we recently stated, the poor agricultural machinery sales performance in 2024 resulted from various factors. First, South Africa's agricultural sector had higher machinery sales between 2020 and 2023. Improved farmers' incomes supported higher sales due to ample harvest and higher commodity prices. Thus, there was bound to be some correction, leading to a moderation in sales in 2024. Second, after a few good agricultural years, we struggled with a mid-summer drought in the 2023-24 season, weighing on farmers' fortunes and worsening sales performance. Click here to read full report by Wandile Sihlobo.

We are yet to receive full details of how the tariffs US President Donald Trump announced last night will apply. It is perhaps more prudent to work on the assumption that the duty-free access South Africa enjoyed through AGOA is probably over or, at best, will be limited. We know now that a baseline tariff of 10% will apply to imports from all countries. It remains unclear if there are differences in the remaining 20% (that makes up the rest of the 30%) duties levied against South Africa. We suspect there may be some differences product by product, but that will be clear as soon as the US authorities release more information. We know that the reciprocal tariffs will generally range from 10% to 50% (and to 30% in the case of South Africa). The exact levy will be based on what the White House Council of Economic Advisers thinks is the sum of tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US goods to a specific country. We also believe the 60% tariffs the US authorities argue South Africa imposes on the world are not based on sound trade calculations. Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

South Africa was not spared of the "Liberation Day" tariffs announced by US President Trump against various countries. South Africa will face tariffs between 10% and 31% in the US for all products. The specificity of by-products is not yet clear. We know now that a baseline tariff of 10% will apply to imports from all countries. It remains unclear if there are differences in the remaining 21% (that makes up the rest of the 31%) duties levied against South Africa. Under this environment, it is prudent to assume that South Africa will be out of the AGOA (the African Growth and Opportunity Act), which afforded us duty-free access to the US for a range of products, including the auto industry and agriculture. Click here to listen to full podcast.

We have roped in Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa as we look at the impact of the us Tariffs on South African farmers and agricultural sector. Click here to watch SABC News interview.

South African citrus, grapes, wine and fruit juices have been the topic of discussion at most dinner tables lately as industry stakeholders contemplate what the official removal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) could mean. Under the preferential trade deal with the United Staes, around two thirds of South African exports to the US benefited from the free trade area deal. To discuss the implications for the local agricultural industry in a post AGOA world, CNBC Africa is joined by Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist, Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). Click here to watch CNBC Africa interview.

Maize, rice, wheat, and barley are among the most widely grown grain crops in the world and are all susceptible to changing climate conditions. In this regard, the grain industry finds itself in uncharted waters in terms of the expected long-term impact that climate change may have on the industry of which most crops are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and extreme warm or cold conditions. Agbiz Grain Quarterly called on experts in the South African grain industry to find out what effect climate change could potentially have on the grain industry, and the way forward to ensure food sustainability and security. The information they shared centred around the following areas: Maize production and rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Barley production and the malting process to obtain malted barley. Grain storage and pest control. According to a study by Profs Brad Ripley and Susanne Vetter of the Department of Botany at Rhodes University, and MSc graduate Tebadi Burgess, most maize production relies on natural rainfall, making it vulnerable to changing rainfall patterns. Click here to read full article.

Agbiz is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Charl David van der Merwe as the new manager of the grain desk, succeeding Wessel Lemmer, who previously led the desk with dedication and expertise. With a career spanning over 27 years in the agricultural sector, Dr van der Merwe brings extensive experience in grain handling, procurement, market analysis, and strategic development. His leadership and industry knowledge will be instrumental in advancing Agbiz Grain’s mission of supporting and promoting the interests of its members. Dr van der Merwe has held key roles across the grain value chain, from agricultural economics and commodity management to procurement and strategic business development. His previous positions at major agricultural organisations, including NWK, Suidwes Landbou, Tiger Brands, and CMI, have equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector. At Agbiz Grain, he will focus on policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and industry representation, ensuring that the grain industry remains competitive and sustainable. Click here to read full statement. 

The WTO Secretariat is closely monitoring and analysing the measures announced by the United States on April 2, 2025. Many members have reached out to us and we are actively engaging with them in response to their questions about the potential impact on their economies and the global trading system. The recent announcements will have substantial implications for global trade and economic growth prospects. While the situation is rapidly evolving, our initial estimates suggest that these measures, coupled with those introduced since the beginning of the year, could lead to an overall contraction of around 1% in global merchandise trade volumes this year, representing a downward revision of nearly four percentage points from previous projections. I'm deeply concerned about this decline and the potential for escalation into a tariff war with a cycle of retaliatory measures that lead to further declines in trade. It is important to remember that, despite these new measures, the vast majority of global trade still flows under the WTO's Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) terms. Click here to read full statement.

As the world backtracks on reducing poverty, social protection can be key to helping people become more self-reliant. Social protection is not only about cash or in-kind support, such as a small supplemental income, a pension or food. It is also about supporting people with employment and economic inclusion programs to help them access opportunities, better jobs or make them more productive in what they do. The new State of Social Protection Report 2025: The 2 Billion-Person Challenge, released today, lays out how social protection and labour programs are helping to lift people out of poverty in developing countries. The report highlights social protection’s successes and how it can empower many more to thrive. Today, more people have access to social protection than at any point in history. In the past 10 years, social protection has expanded to cover a record 4.7 billion people in low- and middle-income countries. Click here to read full article from blogs.worldbank.org.

The Grain Handling Organisation (GOSA)'s 40th symposium, held recently in Mossel Bay, highlighted how South Africa's grain industry can innovate to maintain and improve its competitiveness in a more competitive global market. A total of 280 representatives from more than 70 agricultural companies from the grain value chain attended the organisation’s symposium on 18 and 19 March this year at the Diaz Strand Hotel. Several of the speakers highlighted the current and future competitiveness of the local industry. Retired international rugby referee Jaco Peyper, who is currently a member of the management and coaching team of the Springbok team, drew parallels between the performance of the Bok team and the workplace. “In a competitive environment, you don’t get better by just hoping for the best. Your team’s performance needs to be measured regularly in order to balance their capabilities (assets) and obstacles (liabilities),” he said. Click here to read full statement.

So far in the 2024/25 season, world production is estimated to be at 25.9 million tonnes, 7.38 % higher than the previous season. For now, cotton production slightly outpaces consumption, which is estimated to be at 25.5 million tonnes, a 2.27% gain from the previous season. Consumption is expected to remain under pressure with the upcoming tariff escalations, regulatory pressures, and fibre market competition. While inflation could further undermine consumer spending on textile products, a boost in the production of oil and petroleum could also make polyester cheaper and more affordable, increasing fibre market competition for cotton. World trade is estimated to be about 9.9 million tonnes, which is very close to the previous season’s levels. The cotton lint trade is under slight pressure due to tariff escalations between China and USA, with both being leaders and close bilateral trade partners in cotton trade. Click here to read full report. 

The Port of Cape Town continues to struggle with severe weather-related disruptions, particularly strong winds and fog, which have significantly hampered vessel operations. Despite some attempts at recovery, performance remains below expectations. Similarly, Richards Bay remains in a state of crisis, with very little progress made. Poor equipment availability and reliability, compounded by infrastructure constraints, continue to limit productivity and efficiency. Durban has shown relatively consistent operations in recent weeks, though persistent wind-related delays and infrastructure issues—such as crane breakdowns—have slowed overall progress. The ports of Ngqura and Port Elizabeth also faced delays, primarily due to wind and capacity limitations. Transnet Freight Rail continues to operate below required capacity, though there has been a slight uptick in locomotive availability, offering a glimmer of hope for sustained improvement. On the container corridor between Durban and Gauteng, performance has shown modest gains. Click here to read full BUSA Weekly Update.

The Cereal Supply and Demand Brief provides an up-to-date perspective of the world cereal market. The monthly brief is supplemented by a detailed assessment of cereal production as well as supply and demand conditions by country/region in Crop Prospects and Food Situation, published three times per year. More in-depth analyses of world markets for cereals, as well as other major food commodities, are published biannually in Food Outlook. FAO has revised upward the estimate for global cereal production in 2024 by 7.1 million tonnes compared to the figure of March. Standing at 2 849 million tonnes, the world cereal outturn, however, remains 0.3 percent lower year on year. This month’s positive adjustment is primarily driven by larger-than-previously anticipated wheat outturns in Australia and Kazakhstan. The world output for barley is also raised, albeit by a lesser margin compared to wheat, and is mostly linked to a more abundant harvest in Australia. Click here to read full FAO report.

FAS Dar es Salaam expects a ten percent decline in corn exports for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 as production decreases and strict export permit procedures continue to stymie shipments. Wheat imports are projected to rise by 15.4 percent due to low corn supply, rising incomes, dietary changes, and growth in tourism. Rice markets are forecasted to remain broadly unchanged, with only minor increases in area planted in response to favourable domestic prices. FAS Dar es Salaam anticipates corn production for the marketing year (MY) 2025/26 will decrease by 200,000 metric tons (MT), or around three percent, reducing the total output to 6.8 million metric tons. The decline is largely attributed to factors such as below-average rainfall during the short rains season (“Vuli”) from October to December 2024, untimely distribution of government-subsidized certified seeds and fertilizer during the planting season, infestations of pests and diseases like the Fall Armyworm, and a reduction in the harvested area. Click here to read full report. 

Wolfe Braude – Manager: Fruit, Agbiz SAfm Market Update

In this insightful discussion with Anlie Hattingh on AgriXtra, Agbiz CEO Theo Boshoff unpacks the newly signed Expropriation Act, shedding light on its implications for land reform and property rights. While some see the legislation as a step forward, others fear its impact on private ownership. Boshoff provides a balanced perspective, separating fact from fiction and exploring what this means for the agricultural sector. Click here to watch the full interview.

In this insightful interview with Anlie Hattingh, Agbiz CEO Theo Boshoff reviews the key milestones and challenges of 2024 while sharing his vision for 2025. The discussion dives into crucial topics such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, sustainable practices across agriculture and its value chains, and what lies ahead for the industry. Click here to watch full interview.

Agbiz is pleased to welcome Maphuti Mawasha as our new Finance Manager. She brings over a decade of experience in financial services and business strategy. Her expertise includes budgeting, financial forecasting, and compliance management. Maphuti has worked with top financial institutions, ensuring sound financial oversight. She holds a National Diploma in Public Finance and Accounting and is pursuing a BCom. We thank Phyllis Strydom for her dedication and contributions.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on 2 April that he would impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries around the world starting on 5 April and would also impose an additional, individualised tariff on approximately 60 countries beginning on 9 April, including a 30% rate on South Africa. More details are available in a fact sheet and Executive Order published by the White House. South Africa’s Presidency said the trade tariffs announced by Trump affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US. Click here to read full press release.

The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA), shares the latest news in the citrus industry in its weekly update, From the desk of the CEO. Please click here to peruse. 

Transforming Poultry Productivity and Empowering Sustainability in Africa

29-30 April 2025 | The Garden Venue, Johannesburg, South Africa

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BUSA Sustaining Progress Conference 2025

29 May 2025 | Focus Rooms, Modderfontein

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Potatoes SA Innovation Symposium

23 & 24 July 2025 | CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria

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3rd Annual Food Waste Solutions Summit

26-27 June 2025 | Hotel Sky, Sandton

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International Fresh Produce Association’s Southern Africa Conference

23-24 July 2025 | Pretoria, South Africa

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South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress 2025 

12-14 August 2025 | ICC Durban

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• Agbiz is the only organisation that serves the broader and common over-arching business interests of agribusinesses in South Africa.
• Agbiz addresses the legislative and policy environment on the many fronts that it impacts on the agribusiness environment.
• Agbiz facilitates considerable top-level networking opportunities so that South African agribusinesses can play an active and creative role within the local and international organised business environment.
• Agbiz research provides sector-specific information for informed decision-making.
• Agbiz newsletter publishes members' press releases and member product announcements.