South Africa has taken a significant step in expanding its agricultural exports with the departure of its first commercial shipment of locally produced plums to China, creating new opportunities for the country’s deciduous fruit industry. The inaugural consignment was officially launched at the Freshness First Packhouse in Franschhoek, where Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and ...

Nigeria’s sesame industry could face significant challenges in 2026 as rising insecurity and the risk of flooding threaten production across key farming regions, raising concerns about the country’s export outlook for one of its most valuable non-oil commodities. Industry experts say attacks on farming communities, coupled with unpredictable weather patterns, may reduce cultivation and harvest ...

China has introduced a zero-tariff program covering imports from 53 African countries and approved amendments to South Africa’s citrus cold-treatment protocol, moves expected to strengthen export opportunities for one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest citrus industries. The measures mark another step in deepening trade relations between China and Africa, particularly as South Africa seeks to ...

Across sub-Saharan Africa, banana producers are increasingly turning to processing as a strategy to reduce post-harvest losses and unlock new revenue streams, marking a shift toward value-added agriculture. Post-harvest losses for fruits and vegetables in the region are estimated at 40% to 50%, driven largely by limited storage, weak logistics, and market volatility. To address ...

Rising Trade Tensions Within SACU Growing trade restrictions within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are raising concerns about the future of regional agricultural trade. The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) has warned that recent export barriers imposed by neighbouring countries could disrupt agricultural flows and weaken the customs union’s core principle of free movement of ...

Rice export prices across West Africa recorded a mild correction in early April 2026, as buyers adopted a more cautious approach following recent price highs. The market remained largely anchored by Benin, which dominated regional trade activity between March 30 and April 3, supported by a broad mix of rice grades and steady demand. Benin ...

South Africa’s agricultural export sector, a critical pillar of the country’s economy, faces growing uncertainty as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt global trade routes and market access. According to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo, the region plays a strategic role in South Africa’s export landscape, serving as both a major destination for ...

South Africa’s maize exports remain weak as the 2025/26 marketing year approaches its close in April 2026, raising concerns that the country may fall short of its projected seasonal export target. According to the latest export data, South Africa shipped 39,584 tonnes of maize in the past week. Most of the grain moved into regional ...

The Egyptian government has intensified inter-ministerial coordination to cushion the impact of airspace closures in several countries on national exports, with particular focus on fast-perishing agricultural produce. The move comes as authorities closely monitor regional developments that threaten to disrupt Egypt’s external trade flows and logistics networks. In a joint statement released on Sunday, the ...

South Africa’s citrus industry is facing a delicate balancing act as export volumes rise while a stronger rand puts pressure on grower margins. The country is forecast to export around 206 million 15 kg cartons of citrus this year, up from 203.7 million cartons last season, reflecting the sector’s expanding production. However, growers are increasingly ...