The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz) have initiated a strategic partnership, setting the stage for collaboration across the agricultural value chain in the Eastern Cape.
The partnership reflects a commitment to advancing agribusiness development and leveraging shared resources to overcome key challenges.
Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen said the partnership came at a time when there was an urgent need to strengthen the diversification of the economy and unlock the potential of the region’s agricultural economy.
“Agriculture is one of the Eastern Cape’s greatest economic assets,” she said.
“Through strategic partnerships like this we can help facilitate greater investment, foster innovation and ensure that the sector is supported in overcoming the logistical, infrastructural and security challenges it faces.”
Alongside the automotive industry, the agricultural sector is a major user of port infrastructure in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Both sectors have actively contributed to the chamber’s transport and logistics task team, working to resolve bottlenecks which affect export efficiency and competitiveness.
“We anticipate that there will also be opportunities to include Agbiz in our global gaps and low-carbon economy workstreams of our local economy reinvention think-tank, with particular focus on the hemp industry and agro-processing which can emerge from this.”
According to Theo Boshoff, CEO of Agbiz, the partnership allows for key policy and infrastructure matters to be aligned which directly affect agribusiness.
“The Eastern Cape holds immense potential — from citrus and dairy to wool and mohair — and we are committed to supporting a conducive environment for investment and growth,” he said.
“By working closely with the chamber, we can ensure that the voice of agribusiness is heard, and that real, co-ordinated action follows.”
The partnership will also foster stronger information sharing and thought leadership, with Agbiz bringing national and international insights to the table.
To this end, Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz and one of SA’s foremost agricultural economists, will participate in a panel discussion at the chamber’s upcoming AGM.
The Herald
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