The Southern Africa Trade Problem: Wandile Sihlobo Explains

As the SA Trade Desk, we’re always looking for insightful commentary around the SA trade environment, and we came across this interview with Wandile Sihlobo explaining The Southern Africa trade problem. 

South Africa is a bigger player in global farming than most people realise. Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo explains that the country ranks 32nd among the world’s agricultural exporters—the only African country in the top 40. In 2025, exports reached a record $15.1 billion, up 10% on the year before. About half of everything South Africa produces is sold abroad. Most of it, around 90%, stays in the region: grains, meat, vegetables and fruit. The EU and UK are also steady buyers, mainly of wine and fruit.

But trade closer to home isn’t so simple. Botswana and Namibia have both restricted South African agricultural imports to protect their own farmers, a move that also pushes up food prices for their own people. This goes against the spirit of SACU and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which are meant to make trade across the continent easier, not harder. Sihlobo’s answer: work together instead. Share farming know-how with neighbours, and look to new markets in the Middle East and Asia.

This interview was originally posted on The Common Sense. Watch it here: