Wandile Sihlobo
@WandileSihlobo
Chief Economist, Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). Newsletter: https://wandile.substack.com/ Email: [email protected]
After nearly 7 amazing years at the IMF, I have decided to return to my academic roots. On September 1, 2025, I will rejoin @HarvardEcon as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics. I am truly grateful for my time at @IMFnews, first as Chief Economist and then…
PODCAST: South Africans can take a few more tons of Brazilian coffee businesslive.co.za/fm/opinion/202…
OPINION: A necessary foot-and-mouth disease dialogue 👉🏾africanfarming.com/tiny/qr27
These resonate the most with the SA fresh fruit industry: trade relations with the US, export diversification, logistics, and biosecurity measures (in our pre- and postharvest practices).
In our latest note, we discuss factors shaping the state of South African agriculture. wandilesihlobo.com/2025/07/19/fac…
PODCAST: South Africans can take a few more tons of Brazilian coffee businesslive.co.za/fm/opinion/202…
South Africa’s agriculture has had to contend with several urgent issues in recent months, including the need to manage the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and the uncertainty surrounding US and global trade. wandilesihlobo.com/2025/07/21/sou…
Chief Economist @StandardBankZA, Goolam Ballim, on the upcoming G20 being hosted by South Africa... #InThisEconomy
Those commentators who argue the SA economy would suffer from a 3% inflation target could perhaps rather debate on how government, business, labour & communities can contribute to achieving such a goal. Think that would be more useful than dismissing the idea of 3%.
Our long-term agricultural growth strategy 🇿🇦 youtube.com/watch?v=vWCuHA…
Thanks @WandileSihlobo I'm sure you saw my note of yesterday on this matter from a stockmarket perspective
We have just learned that Argentina and Spain have cases of avian influenza. As with our approach towards Brazil, we may have to temporarily restrict the imports until there is clarity on the regions and scales of the outbreak. But we will be guided by the scientists in South…
South Africa's white maize prices remain relatively high – the chart shows the spot prices as of today, July 22. The major driver, among other factors, remains the lingering concerns about maize quality. The heavy rains during summer, which continued through to April, an unusual…
Collaboration with the private sector on trade matters is key in South Africa's agriculture, as the private sector is aware of regions where they already have easier access to establishing logistical networks essential for goods trade. wandilesihlobo.com/2025/07/21/sou…
In South Africa's agriculture, we are not attempting to replace the U.S. market, but rather to supplement it, opening up additional markets.
South Africa’s agriculture has had to contend with several urgent issues, including the need to manage the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and the uncertainty surrounding US and global trade. But let us not forget the long-term growth plans. wandilesihlobo.com/2025/07/21/sou…
The fact that we have, over the years, been unable to resolve the animal disease crisis suggests that we need a long-lasting solution. Both the government and farmers have a role and responsibility in this effort. wandilesihlobo.com/2025/07/20/a-n…
The livestock industry accounts for half of South Africa’s farming fortunes. The government’s decision to seriously partner with the private sector in addressing the current foot and mouth disease challenge is a correct step.