President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, to serve as Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land.
The appointment reflects the importance of agriculture in South Africa’s economic growth path, as well as the recurrent challenges and growth opportunities facing the sector both domestically and internationally.
Extensive Experience in Agriculture and Academia
Mr Sihlobo is a Senior Lecturer Extraordinary in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University and has published widely on agricultural policy, land reform, and food security. He brings more than a decade of experience across the agricultural sector and academia.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Fort Hare and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Stellenbosch University.
Supporting The Presidency’s Priorities
In his role as Envoy, Mr Sihlobo will support The Presidency’s priorities and objectives on agriculture, rural development, land reform, and international trade. He will work closely with relevant government departments in pursuit of these goals.
The Envoy will also collaborate with key state-owned entities, including the Agricultural Research Council, Land Bank, and Onderstepoort Biological Products, as required to support agricultural development and growth opportunities.
Driving Competitiveness, Inclusion and Growth
In addition, Mr Sihlobo will engage with other stakeholders, including the private sector, to unlock progress and realise tangible gains. The ultimate objective of this work is to advance The Presidency’s priorities of overcoming constraints to agricultural growth, while boosting competitiveness, inclusion, and the sector’s export profile.