A panel discussion at the Standard Bank Africa Unlocked Conference took place in Cape Town on Friday, focusing on how to unlock Africa’s agricultural production to deepen intra-trade and exports.
A panel discussion at the Standard Bank Africa Unlocked Conference 2026 in Cape Town focused on how to unlock Africa’s agricultural production to deepen intra-trade and exports to other regions, with key interventions required including government support of the commercial farming sector and granting farmers title deeds to their land.
Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, said that to unlock Africa’s agricultural production, "we must have a product before we can export. Various African countries can learn from the South African agricultural story of private sector-led growth,"
He said extending title deeds or tradable leases to farmers and agribusinesses is vital for attracting investment. Investments in infrastructure are critical for improving value chains.
Sihlobo said embracing technological advancements in seeds, genetics, and agrochemicals is important for boosting productivity. “Limited trade and commodity price interventions are essential for ensuring policy certainty and ultimately attracting investment.”
