South Africa’s maize industry continues to demonstrate resilience, with production forecasts for the 2025/26 season estimated at around 16 million tonnes, remaining well above the country’s annual consumption needs. Despite this strong output, export prospects are weakening. Total maize exports are expected to fall to roughly 2 million tonnes, largely due to reduced demand from ...

Digital agriculture is rapidly transforming the farming landscape across Africa, as producers increasingly adopt technology-driven solutions to improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability. From mobile-based advisory platforms to satellite-driven data tools, digital innovation is helping farmers make more informed decisions about planting, irrigation, pest control, and market access. One of the most significant drivers of this ...

South Africa has secured a major boost for its citrus exports after signing a revised phytosanitary agreement with the People’s Republic of China, aimed at easing cold treatment requirements and improving market access. The agreement, signed in Pretoria by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, is expected to enhance export efficiency, lower ...

South Africa’s citrus industry is facing mounting pressure as anticipated fuel price increases and rising logistics costs threaten to disrupt the 2026 export season. The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has warned that higher fuel prices—combined with additional container surcharges linked to ongoing Middle East hostilities—could significantly impact producers already operating on tight ...

South Africa’s FMD vaccination campaign is showing promising early results, with government reporting strong progress in containing the spread of the disease across the country’s livestock sector. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed that more than 2 million animals have been vaccinated since February 2026, with early data indicating that the strategy is effectively protecting herds. ...

South Africa’s agricultural sector faces rising uncertainty as conflict in the Middle East threatens trade flows, yet the region remains too important to ignore. Despite mounting risks linked to higher shipping costs, supply chain disruptions and energy market volatility, the Middle East continues to play a strategic role in the country’s long-term export ambitions. According ...

Tiger Brands is strengthening South Africa’s agricultural sector through the expansion of its Hulisani farmer development programme, bringing 17 emerging farmers from Musina, Limpopo into its second cohort. The initiative continues to focus on improving local supply chains while promoting inclusion, with women making up the majority of participants. The programme is designed to integrate ...

South Africa’s agriculture sector faces disease outbreaks, rising input costs, and export pressures despite a positive grain production outlook. South Africa’s agricultural sector entered 2026 on uncertain footing, with disease outbreaks, rising input costs, and global geopolitical tensions placing pressure on farmers and agribusinesses. According to the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), the first quarter of ...

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 ...

South Africa is on track for another strong year in citrus exports, with the industry forecasting shipments of 210 to 215 million cartons for the 2026 season—potentially surpassing last year’s record of 203.4 million cartons. As the world’s second-largest citrus exporter after Spain, South Africa continues to play a vital role in global fruit supply, ...