The 3 key drivers of Africa’s food-secure future

[Paul Makube] Africa’s food security hinges on three key drivers: trade infrastructure, improved inputs, and innovative financing. Coordinated action across these pillars can unlock the continent’s agricultural potential and resilience...

Food inflation falls further to 3.9% year-on-year in October 2025

[Paul Makube] South Africa’s food inflation slows to 3.9% in October 2025 as vegetables and cereals drive the decline...

Why Asia beats Africa for new SA agricultural markets

[Wandile Sihlobo] South Africa’s agricultural exports to Africa are reaching their limits — and according to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, the next real growth opportunities lie in Asia and the Middle East...

Chips lovers breathe a sigh of relief following falling potato prices

[Paul Makube] According to Paul Makube, senior agricultural rconomist at FNB Commercial, falling potato prices and strong sunflower and canola harvests are easing food inflation and pointing to a positive outlook for South Africa’s agriculture sector...

Elevated meat prices remain a drag on food inflation

[Paul Makube] Rising meat prices are keeping South Africa’s food inflation stubbornly high, despite easing costs in other categories...

Another strong quarter as agriculture GDP surges 2.8% in Q2 2025

[Paul Makube] Despite trade tariffs and a foot-and-mouth outbreak, South Africa’s agriculture GDP grew in Q2 2025, with exports up 10% year-on-year and a positive outlook for the 2025/26 crop season...

SA agribusiness confidence holds despite livestock, trade concerns

[Wandile Sihlobo] South African agribusiness confidence dips slightly in Q3 2025 amid FMD and trade concerns, but sector optimism endures...

Rising livestock theft poses risk to SA farmers

[Wandile Sihlobo] Livestock theft is rising in South Africa, threatening farmers and the sector’s growth. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, calls for stronger police–agriculture collaboration to protect livelihoods...

South Africa's agricultural jobs growth possibilities

[Wandile Sihlobo] Agriculture holds big job potential, but progress hinges on land reform, infrastructure, and tackling sector challenges, writes Wandile Sihlobo...

#WomensMonth: Yoliswa Dlamini on resilience, leadership, and shaping the future of forestry

[Robin Fredericks] From driving tractors in rural KwaZulu-Natal to managing national silviculture operations, Yoliswa Dlamini shares how purpose, perseverance, and leadership have shaped her journey in forestry...

Agriculture’s tariff concerns – cautious reaction to interest rates

[Paul Makube] Despite a positive agriculture outlook in South Africa, tariff concerns and ongoing biosecurity challenges are expected to dampen sector optimism about business conditions, says Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB Commercial...

From farm to table: How ButtaNutt is reshaping South Africa’s food landscape

[Robin Fredericks] From macadamias on a family farm to South Africa’s first plant-based UHT facility, ButtaNutt is growing fast. Founder Antoine van Heerden explains how local sourcing and strong supply chains are shaping the future of plant-based foods and farming...

Meat inflation hits 25-month high amid supply crunch

[Paul Makube] Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB Commercial, unpacks the latest spike in food inflation, with meat driving the increase amid ongoing supply constraints...

#YouthMonth: Thando Zungu leads with data and resilience in SA’s poultry sector

[Robin Fredericks] Thando Zungu's career journey reflects the resilience, innovation, and leadership driving SA’s agricultural sector forward...

#YouthMonth: Yolanda Maphalala champions agri-tech innovation

[Robin Fredericks] Yolanda Maphalala, Isithelo EsiHle Ecological Farm founder and CEO blends agricultural economics expertise with cutting-edge agri-tech innovation...

Meat, vegetable price surge pushes SA food inflation to 4.4% in May

[Paul Makube] Following the release of South Africa’s latest CPI figures, FNB's senior agriculture economist Paul Makube unpacks the deeper forces driving food inflation at farm and producer level — from livestock disease outbreaks to grain price lag effects and constrained imports...

#YouthMonth: Pretty Kubyane, bridging tech and agriculture to empower Africa’s farmers

[Robin Fredericks] Pretty Kubyane, co-founder of eFama App, is bridging technology and agriculture to connect African farmers to new markets and opportunities...

Agriculture GDP outperforms after surging 15.8% in Q1 2025

[Paul Makube] Agriculture powered ahead in Q1 2025, outpacing all sectors with a 15.8% GDP surge. Improved seasonal conditions and strong commodity prices boosted crops, horticulture, and livestock. FNB’s Paul Makube unpacks the sector’s rebound and positive outlook...

Agriculture profitability outlook boosted after a surprise rate cut, the first for 2025

[Paul Makube] A surprise interest rate cut by the South African Reserve Bank brings relief to the agriculture sector, easing debt pressure and supporting a recovery. Early signs of a rebound are visible in crop forecasts, machinery sales, and business confidence...

How to use land reform programmes to drive job creation and economic inclusion

[Peter Setou] Land reform is about more than ownership, it’s about economic opportunity. Peter Setou, chief executive of the Vumelana Advisory Fund, unpacks how partnerships can turn transferred land into thriving, job-creating assets...