Tag: agriculture

Cape Town harbour's congestion and operational challenges continue to place pressure on South Africa's fresh produce exporters. This is particularly concerning as the peak fruit export season for table grapes and deciduous fruit approaches. During the previous deciduous fruit export season, approximately 55,000 tonnes of table grapes were rerouted through Eastern Cape ports to mitigate delays. Against this backdrop, farmers are urged to prioritise packaging.

From the tyres on vehicles to ceramic tiles, protective coatings, sunscreens and agricultural products, zinc oxide ranks among the most versatile forms of zinc. It has applications across several commercial sectors relevant to Africa. Manufacturers can produce zinc oxide through several processes.

South Africa’s growing water insecurity has moved from an environmental concern to a central economic and regulatory challenge. Deteriorating infrastructure continues to worsen the situation. Recurring supply disruptions also place strain on national systems. In addition, unlawful water use increases pressure on already limited strategic water resources. These factors together strain the country’s water governance framework.

South Africa's agribusiness sector offers substantial investment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Securing capital is often critical for agricultural projects. However, the fundraising process involves meeting sector-specific legal and regulatory requirements that distinguish it from other commercial financing.

Africa's agricultural future requires bold climate-mitigation practices across the value chain. This vision is best realised with the strategic backing of strong financial partners who are committed to supporting Africa's agricultural transformation.

Doing business in Africa is challenging for companies in any industry sector. The continent offers immense opportunities, yet the diversity of demographics and geography demands tailored approaches to management and strategy. Over the past decades, Africa has experienced vast changes.

A crop that can protect itself against pests and herbicides sounds like a winning recipe. And it is. However, it only remains a winning solution when the technology behind it is managed with care and caution. Agriculture depends on limited and shared resources. This means that farmers, by definition, are stewards who must always consider the needs of the next generation and those after them.

The agricultural sector now enjoys universal recognition. Its status as a growth propeller is embraced in ways that transcend sectoral interests. Specifically, the country’s political leadership deeply appreciates agriculture’s importance in driving the rural economy. They also recognise its role in addressing poverty and creating job opportunities.

While Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) mammoth energy requirements have been widely publicised, its water footprint receives far less attention. World Water Day, celebrated on 22 March 2025, provides an opportunity to highlight AI’s lesser-known environmental impact - its water usage.

The agriculture sector is integral to the South African economy. It contributes around R400 billion to GDP each year. Additionally, it supports approximately 870,000 jobs across the country. The sector also generates USD13 billion in export revenue annually. Moreover, it plays a critical role in supporting South Africa’s food security.