Low threat, high opportunity for agricultural trade

I had a productive and enjoyable engagement with the High Commissioner of Singapore to South Africa, Mr Zainal Arif Mantaha. Singapore is a major agricultural importer, spending about US$16 billion a year on imports.

The major agricultural suppliers to Singapore include Malaysia, China, France, Indonesia, Australia, Thailand, the UK, Brazil, the USA, and New Zealand, amongst others.

Singapore imports grains, meats, wine, and various fruits, amongst other products.

But Singapore currently doesn't feature prominently on South Africa’s agricultural export list. The country accounted for only 0.4% of South Africa’s US$15.1 billion in agricultural exports in 2025.

The products Singapore imports, often for distribution in the region, are among those South Africa has in surplus.

Therefore, deepening conversations with Singapore is one avenue to explore ways to expand our agricultural exports to the country and the region. This is key, especially as we encounter glitches in some Middle Eastern markets because of the current conflict.

I must say, Singapore is keen to have a deeper conversation with us about agricultural trade.

South Africa exports over US$15 billion in agricultural products, and we want to ensure we broaden our markets across regions, including Singapore, to distribute to its region.

Of course, I had to ensure that the High Commissioner has a copy of “A Country of Two Agricultures”, which remains key to our understanding of the recent developments, challenges and possibilities of the South African agricultural sector.

-Wandile Sihlobo

Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land