South Africa and Italy Deepen Agricultural Partnership

Beyond trade and investment, the forum has placed significant emphasis on agricultural innovation and research collaboration.

South Africa and Italy are exploring new opportunities to strengthen agricultural trade, investment and technology cooperation, with both countries seeking to build deeper partnerships across the agricultural value chain.

Speaking at the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agribusiness Forum in Cape Town, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the relationship between the two nations is moving beyond traditional trade towards a broader partnership focused on investment, innovation, agro-processing and job creation.

The two-day forum, held on 9 and 10 June 2026 under the theme "South Africa and Italy Building Resilient, Value-Added Agri-Business Partnerships: From the Soil to the Shelf," has brought together policymakers, business leaders and industry experts to identify practical areas for collaboration.

According to Steenhuisen, agricultural trade between the two countries already exceeds R650 million annually. South Africa maintains a positive agricultural trade balance with Italy, while horticultural exports alone are valued at around R190 million.

Focus Shifts From Raw Exports to Integrated Value Chains

While current trade figures demonstrate strong demand for South African agricultural products, Steenhuisen said the greatest opportunity lies in creating more value through collaboration across the supply chain.

Italy's expertise in food processing, packaging, agricultural technology and branding could complement South Africa's strengths in agricultural production, creating opportunities for businesses in both countries.

The Minister highlighted South Africa's position as a gateway to African markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), making the country an attractive destination for Italian companies seeking access to a rapidly growing consumer base across the continent.

He pointed to several regions where cooperation could deliver tangible benefits. In the Western Cape, partnerships could be expanded in wine production, citrus exports, fisheries, food processing and packaging technologies.

Limpopo's growing avocado, citrus, mango and nut industries present opportunities for collaboration with Italian regions such as Sicily, Calabria and Campania, which have established expertise in fruit processing and Mediterranean agricultural systems. Potential areas include avocado oil production, fruit pulp manufacturing, citrus processing and export partnerships.

Technology and Research Cooperation Set for Expansion

Beyond trade and investment, the forum has placed significant emphasis on agricultural innovation and research collaboration.

Steenhuisen said stronger cooperation between South Africa's Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and Italy's Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) could support advances in plant health, animal health, biosecurity and climate resilience.

Other provinces also stand to benefit from increased cooperation. Mpumalanga's horticultural and macadamia sectors could gain access to Italian expertise in precision agriculture, orchard technologies, smart irrigation and advanced packaging systems. Similar opportunities exist in the Eastern Cape's dairy and livestock industries, the grain-producing regions of the Free State and North West, and KwaZulu-Natal's sugar, forestry and subtropical fruit sectors.

A major outcome expected from the forum is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries. The agreement will establish a framework for long-term collaboration in agricultural mechanisation, digital agriculture, agro-processing, technology transfer, extension services, seed development, soil health and sanitary standards.

The MoU will also create a Joint Working Group responsible for translating commitments into concrete projects and measurable outcomes.

Steenhuisen said the partnership has the potential to increase value addition within South Africa's agricultural sector, support local manufacturing and processing industries, and create employment opportunities throughout the agricultural economy.