Harvest & Horizon: South Africa’s GDP Drivers

Loading player...
South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to prove its resilience, emerging as a primary engine for national economic growth. This episode dives into the latest Statistics South Africa data, showing how a 0.4% boost in GDP was fueled by strong performance in field crops and horticulture.

However, growth comes with its own set of challenges. We take a deep dive into the 2026 Avocado Season, where production is expected to soar to 22 million cartons. While the "on-year" yield is a win for farmers, we discuss the looming "perfect storm" of increased competition from Peru and the ongoing logistical bottlenecks at the Port of Cape Town.

Finally, we look at the skies. With the 2025/26 La Niña phase expected to exit by April, we explore what the shift to neutral atmospheric conditions means for rainfall stability and long-term crop planning.
20 Mar English South Africa News

Other recent episodes

Gemini said SA Fruit Industry Struggles Under Strong Rand and Trade Barriers

South African citrus and canning farmers are facing an uphill battle as a 25% stronger rand and saturated export markets collapse profit margins. Compounding these issues are 30% US tariffs on certain fruits and climate-driven harvests of smaller, early-ripening produce. To navigate this crisis, President Ramaphosa has appointed economist Wandile…
25 Feb 2 min