Zimbabwe Accounts for Significant Share of South African Agricultural Exports

Zimbabwe is a crucial market for South African farmers and agribusinesses, accounting for approximately 8% of the country's total agricultural exports in 2025. According to Wandile Sihlobo, an economist and Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, South Africa exported US$1.2 billion worth of agricultural products to Zimbabwe that year.

The figures were highlighted by Sihlobo during discussions at the South Africa, Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum held on August 21, 2026. The forum focused on strengthening bilateral trade and promoting industrialisation, as well as developing regional value chains.

South Africa's exports to Zimbabwe are largely dominated by processed and value-added products, including maize, soybeans, prepared foods, bottled water, soybean oil, sauces, condiments, seasonings, spices, animal feed, wheat, preserved vegetables, and fruit juices. This composition differs from South Africa's trade with other regions.

The importance of processed food exports also featured in discussions on strengthening regional value chains, with both countries seeking to deepen value addition and achieve more balanced trade. Despite the substantial trade relationship, Zimbabwe faces challenges in attracting investment into its agricultural sector due to issues surrounding political and land governance.