South Africa exported agricultural products worth US$1.2 billion to Zimbabwe in 2025, accounting for approximately 8% of its total agricultural exports and underscoring Zimbabwe’s importance as a major market for South African farmers and agribusinesses.
The figures were highlighted by Wandile Sihlobo, an economist and Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, in a post on X following discussions at the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum held on August 21, 2026.
The forum, hosted by the South African government, focused on strengthening bilateral trade, promoting industrialisation and developing regional value chains.
Zimbabwe is South Africa’s second-largest destination for agricultural exports, after the Netherlands. However, the Netherlands serves as a major gateway to the European Union, meaning some South African agricultural products exported there are likely distributed to other European markets. Zimbabwe could therefore be South Africa’s largest individual-country market for agricultural products.
According to Sihlobo, the US$1.2 billion worth of agricultural exports to Zimbabwe in 2025 was equivalent to South Africa’s agricultural exports to the Middle East or the BRICS countries, highlighting the significance of the neighbouring market.
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 export composition differs from South Africa’s trade with other regions, where products such as fresh fruits, wine, nuts, meat and grains feature prominently.
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, particularly concerning political and land governance issues.
Improvements in governance, infrastructure, the rule of law and economic statistics would help build investor confidence and create a more conducive environment for agricultural investment.
For the time being, Sihlobo noted that trade remains the most practical avenue for strengthening agricultural ties until Zimbabwe establishes a clear reform path capable of reassuring investors.
Meanwhile, agricultural trade between the two countries also presents opportunities for Zimbabwe to increase its exports to South Africa.
In 2025, Zimbabwe exported agricultural products worth US$1.6 billion globally, with South Africa ranking as its second-largest market. The neighbouring country purchased US$202 million worth of Zimbabwean agricultural products, representing 12% of Zimbabwe’s total agricultural exports.
These products included fruits, tea, nuts, spices and tobacco. Other important export destinations for Zimbabwe included China, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium and Mozambique.
South Africa could increase imports from Zimbabwe as part of efforts to balance bilateral agricultural trade. The country spends more than US$7 billion annually on agricultural imports, including wheat, palm oil, rice, poultry products and whisky, as well as various fruits and vegetables.
However, expanding Zimbabwe’s exports will depend on its ability to increase agricultural productivity and improve the competitiveness of its farming and food industries.
This will require investment in agricultural inputs and infrastructure, alongside legislation that supports innovation and scientific advancements, including access to improved seed varieties.
Sihlobo emphasised that stronger regional agricultural cooperation would benefit both countries, but Zimbabwe would need to undertake domestic reforms and improve its investment environment to unlock its agricultural potential.
With Zimbabwe already accounting for a significant share of South Africa’s agricultural exports, the two countries have considerable scope to expand trade, develop regional value chains and create new opportunities for agricultural businesses.
