Agricultural trade between South Africa and Kenya remains relatively modest despite significant opportunities for growth, particularly in grains, according to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo.

Kenya accounted for only 1% of South Africa’s agricultural exports in 2025, with exports valued at approximately US$141 million. South African products shipped to Kenya included vegetable oils, fruits, nuts, beverages, sugar, and live animals.

However, Kenya remains a major importer of agricultural products, spending an estimated US$3.7 billion on agricultural imports in 2025. A significant portion of these imports consisted of grains and vegetable oils, highlighting potential areas for increased trade with South Africa.

Sihlobo noted that non-tariff barriers continue to limit trade between the two countries. One of the most significant challenges is Kenya’s restriction on genetically modified (GMO) maize imports.

Kenya has faced recurring maize shortages due to drought and remains a major maize importer. South Africa, meanwhile, is one of the continent’s leading maize producers and exporters. However, around 80% of South Africa’s maize production is genetically modified, preventing the country from becoming a major supplier to the Kenyan market under current regulations.

South Africa is expected to produce about 17.1 million tonnes of maize during the 2025/26 season, significantly exceeding its annual domestic consumption of around 12 million tonnes. Sihlobo argues that easing restrictions on GMO maize imports could strengthen trade relations and provide Kenya with an additional source of grain supplies.

Beyond maize, he emphasized that agricultural trade opportunities should flow in both directions. While South Africa exports a wide range of agricultural products, it also imports substantial quantities of food and agricultural commodities.

South Africa spends approximately US$7 billion annually on imports such as wheat, rice, palm oil, poultry products, whisky, and various fruits. This creates opportunities for countries such as Kenya to increase exports to the South African market.

Sihlobo said deeper regional integration and the reduction of non-tariff barriers would benefit both countries, supporting greater agricultural trade, improved food security, and stronger economic ties across the continent.

Source: Wandile Sihlobo