From my time in the National Treasury, I’ve seen how agriculture’s role in economic planning is underestimated. Too often, it is viewed as a siloed primary sector of harvests and food security rather than a powerful tool for holistic development.

Zimbabwean farmer Stuart Brent was promised US$800 000 (about R14 million) compensation for improvements to property lost during the country’s land reform programme, but received less than US$8 000 (R138 000), turning his initial relief into disappointment.

Africa’s agricultural potential remains largely untapped, with post-harvest losses of key commodities exceeding 30% and continued reliance on imported processed foods. This deficit in local value addition undermines food security, erodes export revenue, and curbs job creation and industrialisation.