Wandile Sihlobo
Wandile Sihlobo is a South African agricultural economist and commentator who serves as chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). He is a prominent voice on agricultural policy, trade and food security issues across the African continent. Sihlobo holds a position at the University of Stellenbosch as a senior fellow in the Department of Agricultural Economics. His work focuses on agricultural markets, trade dynamics, land reform and rural development, with particular emphasis on South Africa's farming sector and its integration into regional and global value chains. He is a regular contributor to business and agricultural media, providing analysis on commodity markets, export trends and the economic performance of the agricultural sector. Sihlobo has authored numerous research papers and opinion pieces on topics ranging from grain production and livestock farming to the impact of climate variability and policy reforms on agricultural productivity. He holds a master's degree in agricultural economics and has built a reputation as a data-driven analyst who bridges the gap between academic research and practical industry concerns. His commentary frequently addresses the challenges facing South African agriculture, including infrastructure constraints, biosecurity measures such as foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, and access to export markets. Sihlobo's insights are widely sought by policymakers, industry stakeholders and investors seeking to understand the evolving landscape of African agriculture.
Wandile Sihlobo Updates
Iran war is exposing South Africa’s dependency on diesel: what went wrong
25th May 2026 It is forgivable to think that an oil shock mainly hurts at the petrol pump. After all, that is where households feel it first. But when my... →
South African farms face El Niño drought risk on top of Iran war
By: Bloomberg 4th May 2026 South African farmers pinched by mounting costs from the Iran war now face the added risk of an El Niño-induced drought, with implications for... →
Fuel crunch from war threatens South African wheat, corn crops
By: Bloomberg 24th March 2026 Farmers in South Africa are heading into the winter planting season with surging diesel prices and tightening supplies – triggered by the Middle... →
President Cyril Ramaphosa appoints agriculture and land envoy
23rd February 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and member... →
South African farmers count mounting losses as foot-and-mouth disease rages
By: Reuters 12th February 2026 South Africa's beef exports fell 26% in 2025, despite growing global demand, partly due to China's ban on the African country's red meat products... →
What will it take to make Africa food secure? G20 group points to trade, resilient supply chains and sustainable farming
11th November 2025 The Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems work stream of the Business 20, a G20 engagement group, has endorsed three principles that it argues... →
 |
 |
1 |
 |
 |
