The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), have initiated a strategic partnership, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration across the agricultural value chain in the Eastern Cape. This partnership reflects a joint commitment to advancing agribusiness development and leveraging shared resources to overcome key challenges.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the local economy, particularly in regions such as the Sundays River Valley, which is the second largest citrus producing area in South Africa. The country produces almost 60% of global mohair production with the Eastern Cape accounting for 90% of the country’s total production, and contributes approximately 30% of the country’s milk supply, further underlining the sector’s critical role in both food production and employment.
“This partnership with Agbiz comes at a time when, given all the global uncertainty especially in global manufacturing supply chains, there is an urgent need to strengthen the diversification of our economy and unlocking the potential of our region’s agricultural economy is one of the key ways to do this,” said Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Chamber. “Agriculture is one of the Eastern Cape’s greatest economic assets. Through strategic partnerships like this, we can help facilitate greater investment, foster innovation and ensure that the sector is supported in overcoming the logistical, infrastructural and security challenges it faces.”
Alongside the automotive industry, the agricultural sector is also a major user of port infrastructure in Nelson Mandela Bay. Both sectors have actively contributed to the Chamber’s Transport and Logistics Task Team, working to resolve bottlenecks that impact export efficiency and competitiveness.
Security is another priority where collaboration has yielded tangible results. Agriculture has played a vital role in initiatives such as Eyes to Ears, alongside the Chamber, SAPS, Agri-Eastern Cape and other stakeholders. The sector is a key participant in the Safety and Security Task Team, with efforts to address challenges related to strengthening security in Addo Road, an important route for transporting the produce from the Sundays River Valley to the city’s harbours.
“We anticipate that there will also be opportunities to include Agbiz in our global gaps and low carbon economy workstreams of our Local Economy Reinvention Think Tank, with particular focus on the hemp industry and agro-processing which can emerge from this.”
According to Theo Boshoff, CEO of Agbiz, “This partnership with the Chamber allows us to align on key policy and infrastructure matters that directly impact agribusiness. The Eastern Cape holds immense potential – from citrus and dairy to wool and mohair – and we are committed to supporting a conducive environment for investment and growth. By working closely with the Chamber, we can ensure that the voice of agribusiness is heard, and that real, coordinated action follows.”
The partnership will also foster stronger information sharing and thought leadership, with Agbiz bringing national and international insights to the table. To this end, Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at Agbiz and one of South Africa’s foremost agricultural economists, will be participating in a panel discussion at the Chamber’s upcoming Annual General Meeting.
“Having Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz’s Chief Economist, at our AGM is a clear indication of the importance of this partnership and the shared vision for agriculture as a driver of inclusive growth,” van Huyssteen added. “We look forward to robust discussions on how to build a more resilient, productive, and secure agricultural sector that benefits our metro, province and communities.”
This partnership marks the beginning of a collaboration designed to create a sustainable impact in the agricultural economy of the Eastern Cape and also to empower agribusiness and build a stronger regional economy.
