As African agriculture navigates increasing global competition, economic volatility, and climate-related challenges, agribusiness leaders are calling for stronger intra-African trade partnerships, policy alignment, and market access support.
Recently, during the Nampo Bothaville, experts from across the continent, including Zimbabwe and Tanzania, shared insights on how to unlock Africa’s vast agricultural potential.
Louis van Ravesteyn, head of agribusiness at Standard Bank Group, emphasised the importance of focusing on aspects within their control, such as their own farming operations and productivity. Rather than being swayed by external noise or misinformation,
Building a sustainable food system
“I think firstly Africa’s got enormous potential. South African farmers we sometimes get arrogant about how big our agriculture is but if you go to Nigeria, Nigeria’s got five times the size of our agriculture,” he said.
Van Ravesteyn noted that while countries like Nigeria and Tanzania are vast with significant agricultural potential, much of the farming is dominated by small-scale farmers, with commercial farming making up only a small portion. This is in stark contrast to South Africa, where around 90% of agricultural production comes from commercial operations and only 10% from smallholders.
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He highlighted the need for more effective trade frameworks across the continent, stressing the importance of better policies, value addition to agricultural products, and increased mechanisation.
“How can we do more trade within Africa? I think that’s the big opportunity,” he said.
Jayde Clack, managing director of GrainCo, Zimbabwe, described their regional approach. “We work in a close partnership with primary producers, farmers, as well as with other manufacturers, offering internet support through financing, logistics and advisory services. Our ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable food system by building a resilient supply chain network throughout the region,”.
Clack outlined that their decision to expand into Zambia in 2021 was driven by necessity. To build a more sustainable business, they looked beyond Zimbabwe’s borders and established operations in Zambia. This move also helped them navigate domestic challenges such as exchange rate instability and a critical shortage of foreign currency.
Bilateral agribusiness collaboration
Benfrida Tarimo, head of agribusiness in Tanzania, said there is a bilateral agreement protocol between Tanzania and South Africa, and it is high time for the farmers to take the opportunity to access this market, especially in technology and innovation. She pointed out that there are alternative markets available, such as the avocado market.
“I invite the farmers from South Africa to come to Tanzania. It’s an opportunity also for the farmers in South Africa to come and invest, especially to do commercial farming in Tanzania,” she said.
Thembi Dlamini, from the International Trade Africa-China desk, shared insights on navigating the complex Chinese market.
“We’ve been in the Chinese market for about 18 years now, so that gives you an understanding of the experience and just the knowledge that we’ve built up with regards to the Chinese market through our partnership with the Industrial Commercial Bank of China,” Dlamini said.
She explained that their focus has been on leveraging their established presence and strength in the Chinese market to support clients in navigating its complexities.
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