WANDILE SIHLOBO: African free-trade pact gives reason for hope in agriculture
Sector’s growth in the past few decades has been export-driven, and the continent has been a key market
Agriculturally, the recently launched African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is an important development, although a reduction of tariffs alone won’t necessarily encourage trade. Much work is to be done across the continent on the lack of infrastructure, costly and prohibitive border processes, corruption and weak institutions.
Optimism about the pact stems from SA agricultural growth having been export-driven over the past few decades, and the rest of the continent being a key market. Over the past 10 years it has accounted for an average of 44% of SA exports, which equates to $3.9bn, up from an average of less than 30% in the prior decade. ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.