CAPE TOWN, South Africa – South Africa and Italy are strengthening agricultural trade, investment and technology cooperation through a new partnership aimed at expanding opportunities across the agricultural value chain, from primary production to agro-processing and export markets.

Speaking at the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agribusiness Forum in Cape Town, South African Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen said the relationship between the two countries is evolving beyond traditional trade towards greater collaboration in investment, innovation, value addition and job creation.

According to Steenhuisen, agricultural trade between South Africa and Italy currently exceeds R650 million annually, with South Africa maintaining a positive agricultural trade balance. Horticultural exports alone account for approximately R190 million.

Focus on Value Addition

Steenhuisen said future growth will depend on combining South Africa’s agricultural production strengths with Italy’s expertise in food processing, packaging, agricultural technology and product branding.

“The real opportunity lies not simply in exporting more agricultural products, but in creating greater value across the supply chain through investment, innovation and processing partnerships,” he said.

The two-day forum, held under the theme “South Africa and Italy Building Resilient, Value-Added Agri-Business Partnerships: From the Soil to the Shelf,” brings together policymakers, agribusiness leaders, investors and technology providers to explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Gateway to African Markets

South Africa highlighted its strategic position as a gateway to the continent, noting that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area presents significant opportunities for international investors seeking access to Africa’s growing consumer market.

Officials said the partnership could support the development of integrated agricultural value chains spanning production, processing, logistics, research, technology and retail.

Provincial Opportunities

Several regions across South Africa were identified as offering strong potential for cooperation:

• Western Cape: Wine production, citrus exports, fisheries, food processing and packaging technologies.
• Limpopo: Avocados, citrus, mangoes and nuts, with opportunities in fruit processing, avocado oil production and export partnerships.
• Mpumalanga: Macadamia nuts, horticulture, precision agriculture, smart irrigation systems and advanced packaging solutions.
• Eastern Cape: Dairy and livestock value chains.
• Free State and North West: Grain production and processing.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Sugar, forestry and subtropical fruit industries.
• Steenhuisen said these opportunities could help create integrated agricultural value chains that generate economic benefits for both countries.

Research and Innovation Collaboration

The forum also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in agricultural research, innovation and biosecurity.

South Africa’s Agricultural Research Council and Italy’s Council for Agricultural Research and Economics are expected to strengthen collaboration in areas such as plant health, animal health, climate resilience and agricultural innovation.

Officials believe greater research cooperation can help both countries address emerging agricultural challenges while improving productivity and sustainability.

New Cooperation Agreement

A key outcome of the forum is expected to be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will establish a framework for long-term agricultural cooperation.

The agreement is expected to cover areas including:

• Agricultural mechanisation
• Digital agriculture
• Agro-processing
• Technology transfer
• Extension services
• Seed development
• Soil health management
• Sanitary and phytosanitary standards

The MoU will also create a Joint Working Group responsible for translating commitments into practical projects and measurable outcomes.

Strengthening Agricultural Value Chains

South African officials say the partnership aligns with the country’s strategy to increase value addition, expand agro-processing capacity and create employment opportunities within the agricultural sector.

By combining South Africa’s agricultural production capacity with Italy’s expertise in processing, technology and branding, both countries aim to build more resilient and competitive agricultural value chains while supporting sustainable economic growth.