Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first-ever state visit to South Africa has sparked debate among agricultural experts, raising questions about the potential implications for bilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector, particularly as both nations navigate the challenges posed by US-imposed tariffs.
The presidency said the visit today, on Thursday, 24 April 2025, will provide South Africa and Ukraine with an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and expand cooperation in trade, agriculture and education. It will also explore areas of cooperation to support efforts to bring lasting peace.
The executive director of the FW de Klerk Foundation, Christo van der Rheede, said that over the years, South African leadership has risen above power politics, putting the interest of innocent civilians who suffer as a result of war first.
Strengthening trade ties
“In the process, South Africa stands to gain the admiration and respect of the world at large. As a result, it will benefit from strong economic trade ties with Europe, Ukraine, Russia, and China.
“The breakdown in relations between the Trump administration and South Africa will hold serious economic implications for our local economy. South Africa must strengthen trade ties with other economies to ensure that we find alternative markets should the Trump administration continue with its tariff increase of 30%, end the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) and possibly institute other punitive measures,” Van der Rheede said.
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He said brokering peace between Ukraine and Russia might be the opportunity South Africa is seeking to elevate its role as a global peace maker and safe its own economy in the process.
Meanwhile, trade analyst Woody Aroun said Zelenskyy’s visit could see South Africa looking into alternative markets following the fallout with President Donald Trump’s administration.
Meeting supply and demand
“This is part of South Africa reaching out to new markets because Agoa on its own does not solve all of the country’s problems, and potential tariffs have made the country move at speed in getting other alternative markets,” Aroun said.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief Agbiz economist, said that as deliberations take place, the question that may arise is whether there are potential long-term agricultural trade relations these countries could establish.
“There is room for a deeper conversation about how South Africa could import more wheat from Ukraine, provided the quality and price are acceptable to private businesses.
“Ukrainian officials, amongst other things, may have to engage with South African businesses so that, post-war, they too can feature prominently on South Africa’s wheat import lists. Among the other agricultural products South Africa imports, Ukraine may have limited room to supply, as these are not among its key export products,” he said.
From a South African perspective, Sihlobo added, the Ukrainian agricultural imports list includes a few products that South Africa also exports.
“For example, Ukraine spends about US$5.5 billion annually on agricultural products. These are mainly spirits, citrus, coffee, tobacco, cheese, wine, banana, chocolate, and palm oil, amongst other products.
“While a major producer and exporter of citrus and wine, South Africa isn’t the primary supplier of these products to Ukraine. These are the key products that could be worth mentioning in the future,” he said.
‘Time for Africa to produce own food‘
Sihlobo added that it is time Africa stands on its own in producing its own food and stops relying on other nations to supply food for it.
“The whole food issue in Africa should not necessarily be an American problem, at least in the medium term. The African leaders must act on what they always preach about the importance of agriculture.
“We have heard speeches on numerous occasions about how this sector is essential and will support Africa’s economic growth and job creation. However, we rarely see meaningful policy changes that drive the industry forward,’ he said.
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