South Africa’s Agricultural Sector Doubles in Value Since 1994, but More Investment and Reforms Needed for Africa's Growth

Ben Leyka CEO of African Agri Council discusses Investments and Reforms with Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist, Agbiz.

South Africa’s agricultural sector has experienced remarkable growth, more than doubling in value and volume since 1994. This success has been closely linked to advancements in trade, particularly in international markets. However, experts are calling for greater investment and targeted reforms across Africa to unlock the continent’s full agricultural potential.

Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at Agbiz, and Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council, recently discussed these challenges. They emphasized the need to boost agricultural productivity and address critical issues such as infrastructure development, policy implementation, and land rights reforms. While many African countries produce insufficient food for their populations, South Africa has remained resilient, even in the face of recent droughts, thanks to its embrace of advanced technologies and science in agriculture.

The conversation highlighted that African governments are often strong at drafting policies, but implementation remains a significant hurdle. Policy reforms must be more effectively enforced to create an environment conducive to private-sector investment, which will be crucial to driving agricultural growth.

Another pressing issue is the continent's land rights system, where up to 80% of rural farmland lacks formal title deeds, inhibiting investment and large-scale farming operations. Without addressing these foundational challenges, Africa’s agricultural sector may struggle to compete on the global stage.

As African nations aim to play a transformative role in reducing hunger and improving food systems, stakeholders agree that prioritizing infrastructure, policy execution, and embracing new agricultural technologies are the key steps forward. With the right investments and reforms, Africa has the potential to significantly increase food production and contribute to global trade.

The Future of Agriculture in Africa

Looking ahead, achieving food security across Africa by 2030 is an ambitious but attainable goal. According to Leoka, initiatives driven by the African Development Bank and other institutions are creating hope for Africa’s agricultural future. However, the real challenge lies in the implementation of these initiatives. By focusing on execution, Africa can overcome barriers to agricultural growth and move closer to achieving food security for its people.

This conversation underscores the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and international partners to ensure Africa's agriculture sector can thrive in the coming years.