By Ovizikhungo Sicwetsha, Head of Transactional Banking for the mid-corporate segment at Nedbank Against a backdrop of geopolitical fragmentation, rising protectionism, and shifting demographic patterns, South Africa’s agricultural sector is both exposed to global volatility and uniquely positioned to benefit from new growth corridors. From a banking perspective, the central question is increasingly about financing: ...

African agribusinesses are increasingly turning their focus inward—toward regional markets—as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) begins to reshape trade dynamics across the continent. For decades, African agricultural exporters prioritised overseas markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, rising logistics costs, currency volatility, and stricter sustainability standards abroad are pushing producers to ...

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a pathway to shared prosperity, especially in agriculture. But trade barriers persist — from broken logistics to incompatible standards. Infrastructure priorities must include: Cross-border corridors and digital trade platforms Modernized customs and harmonized regulations Strategic investment in processing and cold-chain storage These enablers can shift agriculture from ...