Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
Whether the province exports agricultural products to other countries in Africa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
The Western Cape exports agricultural produce to the African countries. The share of WC primary agricultural exports to Africa was about 9% in 2024. These exports mainly consisted of apples at R2.5 billion, mixtures of juices valued at R987 million, and wine in containers holding 2 litres or less. Africa had an annual growth rate of 12% in 2024 (R6.9 billion) from R5.4 billion in 2023. As far as agri-processing products are concerned, the importance of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is recognised, with countries like Namibia taking nine percent (9%), Botswana six percent (6%) and Swaziland three percent (3%) of imports of processed products from the Western Cape. Although from a low base, but other destinations include countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Mozambique and Angola. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture implements various market development activities in these countries, in collaboration with Wines of South Africa (WOSA) in some. The Department is intentional about supporting the sector to increase its exports to the African continent; hence we developed the Western Cape Africa Agriculture and Agri-processing Strategy. These initiatives are aimed at anchoring the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Response (DEDAT):
Between 2022 and 2024, the Western Cape exported agricultural goods to 50 recognised African states, demonstrating the province’s strong export presence on the continent. Over this period, exports averaged R17.6 billion a year, covering both primary agriculture and agri-processed goods, accounting for approximately 17% of the province’s global agri-exports. Agri-exports within Africa are consistently led by three export categories: ‘edible fruits and nuts’, ‘processed fruit and vegetable products’, and ‘beverages, spirits and vinegar’. Namibia (R3.5 billion), Botswana (R2.4 billion), and Mozambique (R1.1 billion) were our top African export markets collectively representing around 41% of the province’s African agri-exports. Notably, agri-exports to Zimbabwe have more than tripled since 2020, pointing towards growing demand for Western Cape products. However, the viability of agricultural exports within the SADC is becoming increasingly uncertain, driven by a trend of member states implementing protectionist measures that restrict agri-imports.
