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23/2025

12 June 2025

How to spur economic growth in Africa’s fragile and conflict-affected States

More than half of sub-Saharan Africa’s population lives in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCS)—economies that face profound challenges such as stagnant economic growth, weak institutions, inadequate public services, extreme poverty, war, and forced internal displacement. Some countries have transitioned out of extreme fragility by implementing sound macroeconomic policies, diversifying the economy, and strengthening institutions. However, as we explain in our analytical note in the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa, recovering from the successive shocks of recent years is likely to be difficult for many FCS, faced with erratic growth, political instability, exposure to natural disasters, and heavy resource dependency. Fragility carries a stark human cost. With strained budgets, vast development needs, and insufficient funding, fragile states in the region consistently rank at the bottom of global development indicators. Click here to read full article by imf.org.

Further strengthening how we measure global poverty

For 35 years, the World Bank Group has measured global poverty to track progress toward eradicating what is considered the most severe deprivation of basic human needs—extreme poverty. This goal is at the very heart of our organization’s mission. The introduction of the international poverty line in 1990 gave us a global benchmark that captured the daily cost for a person to meet their basic needs in a low-income country, which at that time was $1. The line has been updated several times since then to reflect changing prices and the costs of meeting basic needs. The most recent update, which happened this month, sets it at $3 per person per day. However, this remains an extremely low bar and reflects the cost of meeting basic needs in the poorest countries of the world. To gain a more comprehensive view of poverty, we also look at other thresholds that reflect the cost of meeting basic needs in countries with somewhat higher income levels. Click here to read full article by blogs.worldbank.org.

Ramaphosa to have second meeting with Trump at G7 Summit in Canada

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will have a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Canada at the weekend. Speaking to reporters in Pretoria on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said he would also have separate meetings with the chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, and the prime minister of Canada, Mark Carney. The G7 Summit will take place in Kananaskis, Canada, from 14 to 17 June. Canada, which holds the G7 presidency, invited Ramaphosa to the meeting. The President told reporters that attending the G7 was a “great opportunity” from which Pretoria expected “good outcomes”. “I’m hoping that when we meet the various other leaders of various countries who are part of the G7, we’ll be able to interact meaningfully with them.” He said the G7 Summit gave Pretoria the opportunity to “propagate” its message about its G20 presidency and the “great outcomes” it wanted to see in November. The US will take over the presidency of the G20 from SA after the summit. Click here to read full article.

RMIS Establishes Operational Centre to Coordinate FMD Response

In response to the current widespread outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) will activate a centralised Operational Centre (OC) at its headquarters on Monday, 9 June 2025. The OC will be led by a designated RMIS veterinarian and will oversee a team of veterinary professionals and industry representatives, along with a specialist public relations and public affairs agency, forming the FMD Working Group. The FMD Working Group will be mandated to develop and implement a structured, time-bound response to the outbreak, with medium- to long-term goals, including a focus on vaccination among other key areas. The primary objective of this plan is to guide RMIS in addressing the current FMD situation in South Africa, with a strong focus on protecting red meat role players to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry. Click here to read full statement.

AGRIBUSINESS RESEARCH

Rice can get you fired

This week on AgriView with Wandile, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlob talks about the badly timed joke that got Japan's Minister of Agriculture fired; he looks at the ban on imports of Brazilian chicken products; the need for more investment in Biosecurity; and bumper maize harvests for South Africa and Zambia. Watch the full podcast for informed, accessible commentary that matters here.

South African farmers continue to invest in farm machinery

We continue to see encouraging sales of agricultural machinery in South Africa. For example, tractor sales increased for the fifth consecutive month, up 12% year-on-year in May 2025, with 635 units sold. The sales of combine harvesters were even more encouraging, up 64% year-over-year in May, with 41 units sold. The increase in sales primarily reflects the positive sentiment in the sector regarding the 2024-25 crop and horticulture harvest, driven by favourable weather conditions and base effects following weak sales in 2024. Indeed, the heavy rains in April have caused concerns about the crop quality, and we are seeing challenges in a few areas. Still, there remains optimism about the yields, which supports the robust sales. For example, the Crop Estimates Committee forecasts South Africa's 2024-25 summer grain and oilseeds production at 17.98 million tonnes, 16% higher than the 2023-24 production season, representing a decent recovery from drought. Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

South Africa’s agricultural performance so far this year is not all doom and gloom

It is rather challenging, and seems a bit strange, to write about positive data on South Africa’s agricultural sector when the largest subsector of the farming economy is reeling from a severe animal health crisis. The speed at which the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease can be contained, and the industry’s revival, along with associated costs to the cattle farming business, is something we will understand better in the coming months. What is encouraging for now is that the leadership of the department of agriculture, as well as organised agriculture and others, is focused on the issue. Hopefully, a long-lasting solution or improvement will emerge from this crisis, leading to increased attention. The data point that caught people’s attention this past week was the recovery of South Africa’s farming economy in the first quarter and its contribution to the overall economy. The data released by Statistics South Africa showed that agricultural gross value added expanded by 15,8% quarter-on-quarter (seasonally adjusted) in the first quarter of 2025. Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

Chicken Politics in South Africa

The poultry industry has been a central focus of South Africa’s trade discussions for over a decade. The debate has primarily centred on balancing imports and policy space to cushion the domestic industry in its efforts to expand. Over the years, the domestic poultry industry has increased its production. But poultry, being one of the most affordable proteins in the country, also faces rising demand. As a result, South Africa remains a net importer of poultry products. This import exposure always raises a range of concerns when there are glitches in the supplying countries. One of the issues I have noted circulating in the South African media over the past few days is a general discussion about the potential price increase in poultry-related products and the possible supply crunch. This conversation arises on the back of the temporary restrictions on imports of poultry products from Brazil. This ban comes on the back of an outbreak of avian influenza in Brazil. A typical approach when such outbreaks occur is to restrict imports until there is comfort that the risk can be contained. Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

Animal disease crises cast grim light on SA’s biosecurity

The frequent outbreaks of animal diseases in SA’s agriculture pose a risk to its growth. The latest crisis, marked by separate outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, has once again brought the issue of animal biosecurity in SA into the spotlight. The constant recurrence of the disease will ultimately reduce earnings and export opportunities to high-value markets. This could lead to financial pressures on cattle farming businesses, and they may struggle to meet all their financial commitments. That over the years we have been unable to resolve the animal disease crisis suggests we have not done enough as a country to address the key issues and implement the necessary measures to bring about long-lasting solutions. Both the government and farmers have a role and responsibility in this effort. There are various actions the state can take to resolve this impasse, and it is unclear whether the department of agriculture has already taken all the required key steps and managerial decisions. Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

Some notes on South Africa’s agricultural performance in 2025

It is a rather challenging and unusual feeling to write about the positive data of South Africa’s agriculture when the largest subsector of the farming economy is reeling from a severe animal health crisis. The speed at which foot-and-mouth disease is contained and the industry’s revival, along with associated costs to the cattle farming business, is something we will understand better in the coming months. What is encouraging for now is that the leadership of the Department of Agriculture, as well as organised agriculture, among others, is focused on the issue. Hopefully, a long-lasting solution or improvement will emerge from this crisis, leading to increased attention. The data point that caught people’s attention this past week was the recovery of South Africa’s farming economy in the first quarter and its contribution to the overall economy. Click here to read full article by Wandile Sihlobo.

PODCAST: Foot-and-mouth outbreak: SA needs to revitalise its ability to produce animal vaccines, says agricultural economist

It's being reported that government is considering restrictions on the movement of livestock after a major beef producer in Gauteng confirmed foot-and-mouth disease. The Money Show's Stephen Grootes talks to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). It's being reported that the Agriculture Department is considering restrictions on the movement of livestock after top producer Karan Beef confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at its facility in Gauteng. Karan said it is working with the state veterinarian to ensure swift containment and to minimise any further risk to the broader industry. On Thursday, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said government is upgrading state veterinary institution Onderstepoort so that South Africa can become self-sufficient in animal vaccines to fight livestock diseases, reports News24. Click here to read more and listen to podcast. 

PODCAST: South Africa’s agricultural exports up 10% in Q1

In a year where trade has dominated the headlines since the US started imposing higher tariffs on its trading partners, agricultural export activity is worth paying attention to. Encouragingly, the start of the year has been positive for the sector. In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural exports totalled $3.36bn, up 10% from the same period a year ago. This is a function of both higher volumes of various product exports and better commodity prices. The products that dominated the export list in Q1 included grapes, maize, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, peaches, wine, wool, fruit juices, nuts, dates, avocados, pineapples and beef. While the ports remain a challenge and still need improvement and investment, the agricultural export season in Q1 experienced less friction than in the recent past. Click here to read more and listen to full podcast.

AGM Pannel Discussion 25'

A thought-provoking discussion on navigating rising uncertainty in local, national, and global contexts—and what it means for business. Featuring expert insights from Wandile Sihlobo (Agbiz) and John Cairns (RMB), moderated by Rochelle De Kock (The Herald). Click here to watch.

AGBIZ GRAIN

BFAP report provides key insights into malting barley

A report aimed at assessing and quantifying the risks associated with the production, storage, handling, transport, and processing of malting barley has been tentatively released. This follows the South African Winter Cereal Industry Trust (SAWCIT), now the South African Winter Cereal Industry Agency (SAWCIA), commissioning the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) in 2023 to conduct an independent, in-depth analysis of the local barley value chain. A draft report has been released to industry for discussion. The report was commissioned during a period of great uncertainty in the barley industry. Barley production in South Africa stands at a pivotal point. In the pre-Covid period, the South African barley industry grew consistently at an average rate of 2% per annum, bringing the industry almost to a level of self-sufficiency in the market for barley for human consumption (beer). However, the barley industry has faced a series of hurdles in recent years – from unpredictable weather patterns and rising input costs to the far-reaching impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to read full article for by Christal-Lize Muller, Plaas Media and click here to read Agbiz Grain Quarterly.

Grain losses in silos due to pests and rodents

The main purpose of a grain silo is to maintain the quality of grain by keeping exterior elements such as pests and undesirable weather at bay. These iconic structures are a familiar sight in grain-producing countries. The majority of South Africa’s silos were constructed after the mid-1970s, according to father-and-daughter team, Hendrik and Kitty van Aswegen, the CEO and general manager, respectively, of the Grain Training Institute (GTI). They refer to a typical concrete silo with reinforcing steel, which normally has an estimated lifespan of around 30 years before deterioration sets in. Several of these aging giants are facing significant challenges. For example, rust build-up on the rebar leads to cracking and structural weaknesses, creating pathways for water ingress, especially during heavy rainfall. Coupled with inadequate sealing, this results in water leakage and ineffective fumigation. The latter leads to insect resistance due to insufficient gas concentrations, allowing pests in various developmental stages to thrive. Click here to read full article, and click here to read Agbiz Grain Quarterly.

OTHER NEWS

The World Bank’s new global poverty lines in 2021 prices

The World Bank has revised its estimates of global poverty to reflect new data on prices and national poverty lines from more than 160 countries in the world. The revisions to the global poverty estimates suggest that more people have escaped extreme poverty over the last decades, yet the world is poorer than we thought. The international poverty line of $2.15 (in 2017 prices) has been updated to $3.00 (in 2021 prices), leading to an upward revision of the population in extreme poverty by 125 million people in 2022. The poverty lines more relevant for middle income countries have been updated from $3.65 (in 2017 prices) to $4.20 (in 2021 prices) in the case of lower-middle-income countries and from $6.85 (in 2017 prices) to $8.30 (in 2021 prices) in the case of upper-middle-income countries. By answering three questions below, this blog summarizes the main results of our working paper that documents the detailed analysis behind these new poverty lines and estimates. Click here to read full article.

The looming global debt disaster

Despite a succession of shocks since 2020, the global economy has held up remarkably well—so far. But the margin for error is dwindling. Total global debt is now nearly 25 percent higher than it was on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it already was at an all-time high. This overhang could undercut all economies’ ability to shield themselves against the latest shock: higher trade tariffs. Although debt is crucial for driving economic growth, it should be understood as a form of deferred taxation. By borrowing rather than taxing, governments can make long-term investments that will benefit future taxpayers without burdening the current generation; or they can prop up national growth and incomes during an economic emergency, when hiking taxes would only deepen the downturn. Eventually, however, the piper must be paid, and if national income does not grow faster than the cost of borrowing, taxes must be raised to repay the debt. Persistently high debt thus becomes a barrier to economic progress. Click here to read full article.

Industry operations centre to track FMD in real time

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), the levy-funded service provider for the red meat value chain, is implementing a phased tracking, reporting and risk assessment system for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from a centralised operational centre in Pretoria. “A dedicated team has been appointed to manage and operate the operational centre, ensuring capacity for real-time coordination and support with a dedicated phone line,” the organisation said in a statement. The aim of the centre is to coordinate speedy and efficient implementation of government’s national contingency plan for new FMD outbreaks. Efforts to stem the spread of the disease through movement control and biosecurity measures have repeatedly faltered since the first outbreak in the former disease-free zone in 2019. Promising news of the possible lifting of disease management areas in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape late in May were quickly overshadowed by an outbreak of the disease at Karan Beef’s premises in Heidelberg, Gauteng – the world’s biggest feedlot. Click here to read full article.

Ban on Brazil poultry imports adds to SA food insecurity

While the year began on a positive note for South Africa’s agriculture, particularly in terms of exports, this is no time for celebration, said Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa chief economist Wandile Sihlobo yesterday. “We face serious challenges in South Africa’s agriculture, the most pressing one being foot-and-mouth disease (FMD),” he said. “Another issue we are monitoring is the impact on poultry supplies resulting from the ban on Brazil’s poultry imports due to the avian influenza outbreak in that country.” In February, Statistics South Africa noted that the General Household Survey in 2019, 2022 and 2023 indicated households in South Africa continue to experience challenges related to both moderate to severe and severe food insecurity, despite the country being generally food secure at the national level. The report suggests in 2023, about 19.7% (roughly 3.7 million households) experienced moderate to severe food insecurity while about 8% (1.5 million households) experienced severe food insecurity. Click here to read full article by citizen.co.za.

Cargo movement update, weekly economic briefing and economic week ahead update 

South Africa’s ports handled an average of 12,006 TEUs per day, a 17% week-on-week increase, despite operational challenges such as equipment breakdowns and adverse weather. Rail volumes from Durban declined slightly, while cross-border delays increased marginally, with average border crossing times at South African posts rising to 10.3 hours. Global shipping saw a surge in freight rates, particularly across the Trans-Pacific, driven by tariff uncertainties and capacity constraints. The Shanghai Containerised Freight Index (SCFI) recorded one of its largest weekly increases. Air cargo volumes remained stable week-on-week, with significant year-on-year growth of 17%, supported by rising Asia Pacific demand. Road freight along the N4 corridor increased, though border queuing times also climbed. The newly launched Logistics Accountability Score (LAS) is expected to drive improved sector performance. Persistent equipment issues, particularly in Durban and Cape Town, continue to strain port operations. Meanwhile, regional road freight faced growing delays at key borders such as Groblersbrug and Beitbridge. Click here to read full BUSA update.

South Africa asks US not to hike tariffs to 30% on July 9 if talks on new trade framework still ongoing

South Africa has requested that the US refrain from raising tariffs above the prevailing 10% level should negotiations on a new trade framework not be concluded by July 9, when a 90-day pause on “reciprocal tariffs” of 30% against South African exports is due to expire. On April 2, President Donald Trump announced that South Africa faced tariffs of 30% when unveiling ‘liberation day’ tariffs on all of America’s trading partners. Trump then reduced the tariffs to a 10% base rate on April 9 for 90 days, with the expectation that countries use the period to make proposals that addressed the US’s trade-deficit concerns. However, South African steel, aluminium and automotive exports continue to face 25% tariffs as imposed under Section 232 of America’s Trade Expansion Act. In a briefing to lawmakers, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said there was currently uncertainty as to what decision the US would make on July 9 and that South Africa was exposed to both direct and indirect trade and growth risks as a result of global developments. Click here to read full article.

Global port congestion only a few quarters away from pre-pandemic levels

Globally, a pivotal shift in shipping dynamics can be witnessed. According to a recent Port Congestion Report, ports are quickly recovering from congestion with a 77.2 percent improvement since Q2, 2023 and global congestion now at just 0.36 days. Data suggests pre-pandemic "normal" levels could be reached in about two quarters. However, the acceleration and regional divergence in this recovery is striking. Ports like Piraeus in Greece, Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, and Chittagong in Bangladesh are seeing significant congestion increases against the global trend. This article discusses the status of port congestion in different parts of the world. "North American ports have shown remarkable improvement over the past three months," says Fraser Robinson, Founder of Beacon. Average congestion dropped by 0.628 days during that timeframe, which is a 68.4 percent improvement. Several ports, including Savannah, show sustained recovery after dramatically reducing congestion by over 69 percent year-over-year. During that same time frame, average anchor times dropped to just 0.30 days and are now among the lowest globally. Click here to read full article.

CTCT’s new RTGs – almost ready to go into operation

Efforts to resolve the long-standing shortage of much-needed equipment at the Port of Cape Town appear to be ahead of schedule with nine new rubber tyre gantry cranes (RTGs) awaiting commissioning in due course. This has been confirmed by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in a statement detailing progress. According to terminal manager Noxolo Thabatha, “the site team has successfully completed the mechanical assembly of the first nine RTGs with five of these units already having undergone engine start-up and generator powering. “All nine are mechanically complete and approximately 90% electrically complete.” Official notification from Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) follows information from an independent source who told Freight News, on Monday, 9 June, that the commissioning process is ahead of schedule and pre-inspection is already underway. Thabatha said: “Pre-commissioning checks are currently being finalised on the first RTG. Click here to read full article. 

Economic and employment indicators & trends in SA

South Africa’s per capita GDP has declined since 1994, mainly due to reductions in mining and manufacturing output, while services have grown significantly. Employment expanded across most sectors between 2014 and 2024, with gains in finance, community services, and agriculture, though manufacturing jobs declined. Household consumption and wealth improved in late 2024, supported by retirement withdrawals, lower interest rates, and easing inflation. Investment since 1994 has been led by the financial and community services sectors. Government debt and interest payment burdens are rising, particularly compared to pre-pandemic levels. Mining continues to drive trade surpluses, while manufacturing remains in persistent deficit. Real wages have generally declined across sectors, except in manufacturing. The South African Reserve Bank warns that losing AGOA trade benefits, combined with tariff increases and a weaker rand, could lower GDP growth by 0.7% and push inflation higher in 2025. Click here to read full May 2025 report.

Stats SA’s numbers are open to contestation, but our methods are beyond reproach

Capitec Bank CEO Gerrie Fourie raised questions in your article about the accuracy of SA’s unemployment data, suggesting that informal traders in our townships or villages are being misclassified or ignored by Statistics SA (Stats SA) (“Jobless rate really 10%”, June 10). As statistician-general, it is both my duty and prerogative, guided by the fundamental principles of official statistics, to respond when statistics are misunderstood, misinterpreted or, as in this case, risk being misused in public discourse. As a national statistics office we accept that our unemployment figures are among the most scrutinised data products in the country. Industry leaders, labour, policymakers, NGOs and academics rely on our figures, and we welcome such attention. However, it becomes necessary to respond when assertions such as those by Fourie give the public the impression that our work does not reflect reality, or is somehow out of step with what is happening on the ground. Click here to read full article.

The Real Economy Bulletin Q1 2025

The GDP barely grew from the fourth quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025. It inched up at an annual rate of only 0.1% in annualised terms, with actual growth for the quarter at a barely perceivable 0.025%. The figures for the quarterly change are seasonally adjusted. (Graph 1) Most sectors actually shrank, with a 0.3% contraction in annualised terms in nonagricultural GDP in the first quarter of 2025. From this perspective, the economy eked out any expansion at all only because of extraordinary growth reported for the relatively small agricultural sector. In early 2025, agriculture contributed only 2.8% of the GDP. Its value added reportedly jumped at an annual rate of some 16% in the first quarter of 2025, with actual growth at 3.4%. This finding continues the explosion in volatility reported for agricultural value add since 2016. (Graph 2) The rest of the economy has remained stable, and sluggish. In the 56 quarters from 2000 to 2016, growth reported for agriculture alone never sufficed to move the overall economic trend from negative to positive. In the 45 quarters from 2016 to March 2025, that switch occurred eight times. Read full first quarter 2025 bulletin here.

Agriculture on climate advisory for the 2025 winter season

The winter season began with temperatures gradually declining and the passage of cold fronts with some snowfall in high-lying areas. Summer rainfall areas received plenty of rain during summer and the veld and livestock conditions are reasonable to good in many areas. Summer crops have been harvested and winter crops are being planted. The average level of major dams remains high in most provinces. According to the Seasonal Climate Watch issued by the South African Weather Service, dated 4 June 2025, above-normal rainfall is anticipated during mid-winter for the south-western parts of the country and eastern coastal areas. The remainder of the country will likely receive below-normal rainfall. However, during late-winter and early spring, only the eastern coastal areas can expect above-normal rainfall, with the outlook for the south-western areas of the country changing to below-normal rainfall. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be above-normal, but below-normal in parts of the southern coastal areas. Click here to read full article.

Agricultural Market Information System Market Monitor - No. 129 June 2025

The June edition of the Market Monitor introduces the first complete forecasts for global cereal balances. Preliminary estimates suggest a possible recovery in wheat production along with notable increases in maize, rice, and soybean outputs. However, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding these projections as many crops are yet to be planted in the Northern hemisphere. Although May rainfall provided some relief, drought and high temperatures remain significant risks. Global temperatures for April 2025 were the second warmest on record, and forecasts indicate potential heat waves in several key producing areas. Increased temperatures may contribute to higher year-to-year yield variability – as shown on the example of maize - affecting production levels. Furthermore, changes in trade policies could influence the global trade outlook. Click here to download report.

Global economy faces trade-related headwinds

The global economy is facing substantial headwinds, emanating largely from an increase in trade tensions and heightened global policy uncertainty. For emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs), the weak outlook limits their ability to boost job creation and reduce extreme poverty. This challenging context is compounded by subdued foreign direct investment into EMDEs. Global cooperation is needed to restore a more stable global trade environment and scale up support for vulnerable countries, including those in fragile and conflict situations. Domestic policy action is also critical to contain inflation risks and strengthen fiscal resilience. To unlock job creation and long-term growth, reforms should focus on raising institutional quality, attracting private investment, and strengthening human capital and labour markets. Click here to read full report.

AGBIZ VIDEO LIBRARY

Powering Progress: Collaboration boosts Cape Town Port efficiency

In the video, stakeholders from the fruit export industry, the Western Cape Government, and Transnet Port Terminals reflect on the successful implementation of a public–private partnership that delivered two 500kVA generators and 120 additional reefer plug points at the Cape Town Container Terminal. Speakers featured in the video include: Theo Boshoff, CEO of Agbiz, Noxolo Thabatha, Terminal Manager at Cape Town Container Terminal, Glen Steyn, Project Manager, Logistics Development: Western Cape Government, Mecia Peterson, CEO: South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), Oscar Borchards, Managing Executive, Western Cape Terminals: Transnet, Ilse van Schalkwyk, Acting DDG: SEAD & Chief Director: Economic Sector Support, Antoinette van Heerden, Logistics Manager: Fresh Produce Exporters Forum and Jacques du Preez, General Manager: Trade and Markets, Hortgro. Watch the video here and read the full joint press release here.

Introducing: AgriView with Wandile

A brand-new podcast series bringing you sharp insights into South Africa’s agricultural sector — hosted by renowned economist and thought leader Wandile Sihlobo. In this week’s episode: What do current trade dynamics with the USA mean for our agri exports? Why was Deputy President Paul Mashatile in France — and how does it affect the sector? Plus: Signs of strong health and excellence across the industry. Click here to watch.

Theo Boshoff unpacks the Expropriation Bill

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.

MEMBERS' NEWS

The latest news from CGA 

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. 

Get the latest news from the FPEF

In the latest edition of Keeping it Fresh, the Fresh Produce Exporter's Forum (FPEF)'s newsletter, you will get a summary of the most pertinent information as well as reminders of important upcoming events. Please click here to peruse.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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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TIPS FORUM 2025

30-31 July 2025 | IDC Auditorium, Sandton

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2025 Agricultural Transformation Lekgotla

13 August 2025 | Batter Boys, Pretoria

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SAPPO PIGx2 2025

31 July - 1 August | Maslow Hotel, Menlyn, Pretoria

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South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress 2025 

12-14 August 2025 | ICC Durban

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AGBIZ MEMBERSHIP
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  • 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.
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