Tag: agriculture

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.

To support the implementation of South Africa's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published the Sectoral Emissions Target (SET) Report for public comment on 26 April 2024.

Agriculture in Africa is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI), but there is still one element it cannot replace. Despite dramatic technological advances in the sector in recent decades, the role of the farmer remains indispensable. This was a message delivered, surprisingly, at a recent conference in Europe, by a world leader in the field – from Eswatini.