Africa doesn’t appear to be high on President-elect Barack Obama’s agenda at this point and hopes his links with the continent might influence trade negotiations with could be premature. “Obama has stated that his primary focus on coming into office will be to stabilise the economic situation in the said John Purchase, CEO of the Agricultural Business Chamber.
“His focus right now is on looking after the American people, especially the middle class, and on the security of the US and conflicts in Middle East.” Agriculture and Africa are not high on agenda and by far the most critical issue for South African farmers is whether he can stop the economic meltdown. “If he fails it will have a negative impact on agricultural exports to the US,” continued Dr Purchase. “he can stop it, it will be a positive sign for our exports.” The South African cabinet has expressed hope for improved US and South relations at a bilateral and multilateral level. – Robyn Joubert
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