The final session of Nation in Conversation 2026 at NAMPO Harvest Day turned the spotlight onto one of the biggest realities shaping modern agriculture: global trade.
Under the theme “Trade Wars, Tariffs and Opportunities”, the discussion explored how increasing global fragmentation, shifting economic alliances, and rising protectionism are reshaping agricultural trade and influencing South Africa’s future opportunities.
The session was facilitated by Professor Nick Binedell and featured Wandile Sihlobo, Professor Ferdi Meyer, Donald MacKay and Ovizikhungo Sicwetsha.
Opening the discussion, Binedell reflected on the increasingly complex global environment and the growing role of economics in geopolitical conflict.
“We live in a complex time, and the rules of the game have changed,” he said.
The conversation repeatedly returned to the question of South Africa’s positioning in global markets and how the country can remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain world.
Wandile Sihlobo pointed out that South African agriculture has been in a fortunate position over the past few years, with exports expanding steadily. However, he stressed that future growth will depend on how effectively the country strengthens and diversifies its trade relationships.
According to Sihlobo, regions such as Asia and the Middle East present important growth opportunities, while existing export markets must also be sustained.
“If we are to advance on these conversations that we are having, we need to go back to the economic and trade policy and reposition it,” he said.
Professor Ferdi Meyer highlighted how rapidly South African agriculture has outgrown the local market and become increasingly dependent on exports.
“We need to find markets and reposition our products into markets where we have opportunities,” Meyer said.
Donald MacKay warned that the world is entering a new economic era where trade will become even more important as population growth slows and labour shortages increase globally.
“We do not yet know what the new era really looks like,” he said.
MacKay also warned against growing protectionism and its long-term effects on innovation and economic growth.
“Protectionism is a tax on innovation,” he remarked.
Ovizikhungo Sicwetsha focused on the uncertainty businesses and producers face as tariffs continue to shift globally.
“You are not sure what is going to happen tomorrow, what tariff is coming, and how we respond,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing role of technology and data in agricultural financing and trade funding, particularly as financial institutions work more closely with producers to support growth and expansion.
Across the session, one message remained clear: South Africa’s agricultural sector cannot afford to stand still in a rapidly changing global environment. Trade, adaptability, innovation and stronger global positioning will continue to shape the sector’s future.
Nation in Conversation 2026 concluded after a week of discussions focused on resilience, collaboration and the future of agriculture, with support from partners including Grain SA, Nedbank and Senwes, together with several businesses within the Senwes Group operating across the agricultural value chain.