Wandile Sihlobo
WANDILE SIHLOBO is chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Economic Advisory Council as well as the Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture
Positive jobs growth in Agriculture
South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to show resilience on the jobs front, with employment in the farming sector reaching approximately 944,000 people in the second quarter of 2026 - 4% higher than the same period last year and 9% above pre-COVID levels.
Unlocking inclusive growth & development
What will it take to create a more inclusive and commercially sustainable agricultural sector in South Africa?
2027 Farming forecast A
As Europe battles record-breaking heatwaves and devastating wildfires, South African agriculture cannot afford to look away.
SACU trade agreement needs to be revised
Wandile Sihlobo unpacks the ongoing trade tensions within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and argues that the bloc urgently needs to be modernised.
Keeping South Africa supplied with potatoes year-round
Potatoes SA CEO Willie Jacobs joins Wandile Sihlobo to explain how producers maintain a year-round supply despite volatile prices, climate risks and deteriorating fresh produce market infrastructure. The discussion also examines record production, technology and market data, transformation, opportunities for emerging farmers, and the potential for stronger regional trade.
Middle East conflict poses major risk to SA agriculture
As farmers prepare for the 2026/27 summer grain season, Wandile Sihlobo examines how renewed conflict in the Middle East could raise fertiliser and fuel costs, disrupt global supply chains and further squeeze farm profitability. He explains why geopolitical developments are becoming as important as local weather conditions and considers the implications for producers, agribusinesses and regional food security.
El Niño outlook: Is Southern Africa heading for another drought?
Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo examines what the developing El Niño could mean for South Africa’s 2026/27 summer crop season. Despite the risk of drier conditions, healthy dam levels, good soil moisture, record grain harvests and strong carryover stocks leave the country relatively well prepared. He also considers the possible effects on food prices, grain exports, neighbouring countries and regional food security should El Niño intensify.
Research and logistics drive SA citrus export growth
South Africa’s rise as the world’s leading citrus exporter is rooted in decades of investment in research, genetics, and innovation. Wandile Sihlobo and CGA CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele discuss the logistics, market access and Vision 260 strategy needed to sustain growth, create jobs, and strengthen rural economies.
Ramasodi outlines the next chapter for SA agriculture
Wandile and Agriculture Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi discusses the policies and partnerships needed to sustain agricultural growth, improve biosecurity, and market access, strengthen food security, and build a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive sector.
Strong grain harvest brings price pressure and feed relief
South Africa has a strong summer grain and oilseed harvest, with production estimated at about 19.8 million tonnes. Wandile Sihlobo explains how abundant local and global supplies could suppress grain prices, squeeze crop-farming margins and provide relief to livestock, poultry and consumers.
How Middle East tensions could hit SA farm exports and costs
Wandile Sihlobo examines how geopolitical tensions could disrupt South Africa’s beef, fruit and grain exports, while driving up shipping, fuel and fertiliser costs. He explains what renewed volatility could mean for producers and the economics of the 2026/27 farming season.
Are we getting too much rain – EP 34
South Africa has experienced widespread rainfall across key agricultural regions this summer — raising questions about whether there can be too much rain for crops.
A solid starting point for accelerated Land Reform 1 – EP 33
In Episode 33 of AgriView, we unpack one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—policy conversations shaping South African agriculture today: land reform.
Agricultural Production Outlook for 2026 – EP 32
South Africa closed 2025 with a mixed agricultural performance — strong overall growth, but uneven results across subsectors.
2026 Agricultural Policy Priorities – EP 31
As we step into 2026, AgriView opens the year with a deep dive into the policy priorities that will shape South Africa’s agricultural performance in the months ahead.
SA’s Soya: A Rising Star! – EP 30
South Africa has just harvested its largest soybean crop in history — 2.77 million tons. A decade ago, we were importing nearly a million tons of soybean oilcake every year to feed our poultry industry.
We Must Vaccinate SA’s 12.1million Cattle! – EP 29
South Africa’s livestock industry is the beating heart of our farming economy — making up nearly half of the sector’s total value and supporting millions of livelihoods across the country.
G20’s Take on Agriculture and Global Food Security – EP28
Global hunger remains one of the world’s greatest challenges — with more than 720 million people affected in 2024 alone.
Good News on South Africa’s Q3 Agricultural Exports – EP 27
South Africa’s agricultural export story continues to shine in 2025, with the latest data showing a remarkable US$11.7 billion in exports in the first three quarters of the year — a 10% increase from last year.
SA Agriculture is NOT under siege! – EP 26
South Africa’s agricultural sector has recently come under international scrutiny, with comments from the US President that we are under siege.
