Africa Focus

1 week ago | wandilesihlobo.com | Wandile Sihlobo |Africa Focus

Zimbabwe has consistently been one of the food insecurity hotspots in the Southern African region, particularly during periods of drought. This meant that organisations such as the World Food Programme, amongst others, should always have the country on their radar, as a country that requires assistance. Many African countries import grain during their tough drought seasons.

2 weeks ago | wandilesihlobo.com | Wandile Sihlobo |Africa Focus

In the summer of 2024, Zambia, a country reliant on minimal maize imports for nearly two decades, was in a tricky position. Like many countries in Southern Africa, it was hit by the mid-summer drought. Zambia had planted its typical maize area of 1,4 million hectares. It seemed like the season was shaping up well for a moment, promising a decent maize crop, a staple food. Things changed for the worse in February.

1 month ago | wandilesihlobo.com | Wandile Sihlobo |Africa Focus

The likely weakened state of the World Food Programme, resulting from the Trump Administration’s decision to downsize USAID, should serve as a wake-up call to African governments to improve their agricultural production seriously. You see, few countries in Southern Africa typically have surplus production of staple grains. In most seasons, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania are the primary producers with a surplus for export.

1 month ago | wandilesihlobo.com | Wandile Sihlobo |Africa Focus

While other countries have taken a confrontational tone in trade policy, SA must continue strengthening relations and widening export opportunities for all the export-reliant sectors of the economy. Agriculture is one sector that largely depends on exports and has benefited immensely from the trade opportunities the SA authorities have successfully negotiated in recent decades. SA must make an accelerated effort to maintain relationships and strengthen friendships.