South Africa and Italy have signed a new memorandum of understanding to strengthen long-term cooperation in agriculture, trade, research, innovation and investment.
The agreement focuses on biosecurity, plant production and health, animal health, livestock production, training, skills development, agricultural research, innovation, technology, knowledge exchange, agro-processing, agricultural trade and investment opportunities.
The memorandum was signed during the first South Africa–Italy Agrifood Forum, held on June 9 and 10. It creates a structured framework for both countries to work together on key agricultural priorities and support stronger collaboration between public institutions, technical experts and agricultural businesses.
According to South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, the agreement is expected to promote innovation, improve knowledge sharing and create new opportunities for agricultural enterprises in both countries. It also supports South Africa’s broader goal of building a more productive, resilient and export-oriented agricultural sector.
South African Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the country wants to produce more food with fewer resources, strengthen rural economies, create more jobs and build food systems that can withstand climate shocks, disease outbreaks and market disruptions. He also emphasized the need to position agriculture as a promising sector for future generations.
South Africa has one of the most modern and diversified agricultural sectors in Africa, supported by its varied climate and strong production base. As a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the country also has access to a growing regional consumer market.
Italy’s experience in agro-processing and agro-industrial development could help South Africa expand agricultural value chains, increase value creation, support job growth and open new economic opportunities. The cooperation is also expected to support President Cyril Ramaphosa’s goal of increasing value creation in South Africa’s agricultural sector by 30%.
Agricultural trade between South Africa and Italy currently exceeds 650 million rand, or about $39.4 million, annually. Alongside the memorandum, both countries also signed a technical agreement allowing Italian table grapes to enter the South African market.
The new framework reflects the growing agricultural partnership between South Africa and Italy and is expected to support stronger trade, innovation and investment links in the years ahead.
