Dr Thulasizwe Mkhabela

For the first time in history, South Africa holds the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) – a position that places us at the centre of global economic and political decision-making. It’s an opportunity for the country to influence global agendas on trade, climate action, and food security. But for South Africa’s agricultural sector, this is more than just prestige – it’s a rare chance to reshape our future on the global stage.

Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy. From our world-renowned citrus and wines to our table grapes and nuts, South African farmers feed not only the nation but the world. Our export markets stretch from Europe to Asia and the Middle East, providing jobs to thousands and injecting billions into the economy.

But global markets are shifting – fast. Trade relationships are becoming politicised, climate change is upending how we farm, and consumers are demanding products produced sustainably and ethically. South Africa’s G20 presidency offers us a chance to lead these conversations, champion our agricultural sector, and unlock new opportunities for our farmers – if we act strategically.

Winning New Markets, Defending Old Ones

At the top of the agenda is market access. South Africa’s agricultural exports are heavily concentrated in a few key regions – Europe, China, and, to a lesser extent, the United States. But with the US increasingly hostile towards South Africa under its new administration, our access to that lucrative market could soon be at risk.

The reasons for Washington’s hostility are complex – from our ties to Russia and China to our neutral stance on global conflicts. But the consequences for agriculture are simple: fewer exports, lost jobs, and a sector under strain.

This is where the G20 presidency becomes critical. South Africa can use this platform to deepen ties with new trading partners in Southeast Asia, the Gulf States, and Latin America – rapidly growing markets hungry for the high-quality produce we excel at. The developing Indonesian market is a case in point. By pushing for fairer global trade rules and reducing barriers to African exports, we can make our products more competitive globally – ensuring that even if the US turns away, South African agriculture has plenty of other doors to knock on.

Driving Sustainability – For Exports and Survival

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it is fast becoming a ticket to market access. Many of our key trading partners, particularly in the European Union (EU), are tightening their environmental and climate-related import standards. For South African farmers, adapting to these standards isn’t optional, it’s the price of entry.

The G20 presidency gives South Africa a platform to shape the global conversation on climate-smart agriculture – pushing for policies and funding that support farmers in adopting precision farming technologies, renewable energy solutions, and better water management practices. If we establish ourselves as leaders in sustainable farming, we can safeguard our access to key markets and attract investment in innovative, climate-resilient agriculture.

At the same time, we must remember that sustainability is also a survival strategy. South African farmers are already battling droughts, floods, and shifting weather patterns – a reality that will only worsen. Building a more climate-resilient agricultural sector isn’t just good for exports – it’s essential for food security at home.

Inclusive Growth – Bringing Smallholders into the Value Chain

One of the most important lessons the G20 can teach us is that economic growth must be inclusive to be sustainable. In South Africa, our agricultural success story is often a tale of two worlds – a highly developed, export-oriented commercial sector, and a struggling smallholder sector on the margins of the economy.

Under its G20 presidency, South Africa should advocate for policies that foster access to markets, finance, and technology for smallholder farmers, with a particular focus on women and youth. Promoting inclusion is not merely a social objective, but an economic necessity. An inclusive agricultural sector has the potential to generate employment, alleviate rural poverty, and enhance food security, benefiting both South Africa and the continent.

The US Factor – Diplomacy Meets Agriculture

Of course, none of this happens in a vacuum. South Africa’s G20 presidency coincides with increasingly strained relations with the US. As Washington becomes more openly critical of South Africa’s foreign policy choices, the risk of trade penalties – including losing benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) – looms large.

For South African agriculture, this would be a serious blow. Agoa has given our farmers preferential access to the US market, particularly for products like citrus, wine, and macadamia nuts. Losing that access would hit both established commercial farms and emerging black-owned agribusinesses.

But this is also where the G20 presidency offers an opportunity – to reframe South Africa not as a geopolitical pawn, but as a constructive global player. By leading on critical global issues – from climate action to food security – South Africa can demonstrate that its value to the global economy transcends politics. Smart, pragmatic diplomacy will be essential to balancing our non-aligned stance with the need to maintain economic ties to the world’s largest economy.

A Defining Moment for Agriculture

South Africa’s G20 presidency is a once-in-a-generation opportunity – not just for politicians and diplomats, but for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. It’s a chance to open new markets, drive sustainability, and build a more inclusive agricultural economy that leaves no farmer behind.

But opportunity alone isn’t enough – it must be seized. South Africa’s agricultural leaders, industry associations, and policymakers must work together to ensure agriculture is at the heart of South Africa’s G20 agenda. If they do, the benefits could last far beyond our year in the spotlight – leaving a legacy of growth, resilience, and opportunity for generations to come.