In a rapidly evolving global trade landscape, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents one of the most promising avenues for transforming Africa’s agriculture sector. Standard Bank’s head of agribusiness, Louis van Ravesteyn, has rightly emphasised the urgency of turning the AfCFTA from a diplomatic concept into a tangible engine of intra-African trade — especially for agriculture.
The cracks in the global food and trade systems have grown more visible, from disrupted supply chains to the volatility of export markets. These pressures underscore the need for African countries to build resilient internal markets. Agriculture — the backbone of many economies on the continent — stands to benefit immensely if the AfCFTA is fully implemented.
Van Ravesteyn’s message is clear: Africa has the potential to feed itself and supply the world, but inefficiencies in trade logistics and a lack of infrastructure continue to hold back progress. Long border queues, bureaucratic red tape, and inadequate cold storage facilities contribute to significant food waste and higher prices. These bottlenecks are not just logistical — they are development barriers.
Encouragingly, Van Ravesteyn highlights Standard Bank’s ongoing investments in cold chains, silos, warehouses, and agricultural trade infrastructure. The bank’s support is essential in a sector that requires not only financing, but also technical and market development assistance.
South Africa, for instance, exports a wide variety of produce — including fruit, wine, vegetables, grains, and beef — across the continent. But for these exports to increase, the entire agricultural value chain must be supported, particularly the logistics backbone. With over 40% of South Africa’s exports going into African markets, the AfCFTA could unlock even greater regional synergies and efficiencies.
Importantly, Van Ravesteyn also advocates for balanced trade relationships beyond Africa. The US and China remain pivotal partners. South Africa’s citrus and nut exports, for example, depend heavily on access to US markets. Simultaneously, China’s growing appetite for agricultural imports, paired with its interest in Africa’s fertile soil and affordable labour, offers new opportunities — provided the necessary trade protocols are established. Here again, Standard Bank plays a crucial role, not just as a financier, but as a facilitator helping bridge language and cultural gaps in international negotiations.
Trade expos and connection-building events like Nampo have become more than regional showcases — they are global platforms that attract countries like Brazil and Argentina. These events underscore Africa’s appeal and the role of South African agriculture in drawing foreign investment.
Equally commendable is Standard Bank’s inclusive focus on small-scale farmers. With countries like Nigeria showing how growth in primary agriculture can be driven by smallholder involvement, there is immense value in models that support this often-overlooked sector. The bank’s initiatives, like One Farm Share and One Farm Grow, address real issues — from food waste to digital access to markets — proving that systemic transformation is possible with the right partnerships.
One Farm Share in particular stands out as a creative solution to food waste and food insecurity, while simultaneously building sustainable market pathways for growers. Meanwhile, One Farm Grow’s digital enablement in Kenya reveals a vision of agriculture that is not only resilient but future-facing.
Van Ravesteyn’s concluding remarks serve as a wake-up call: the next five years will be decisive in translating AfCFTA’s promises into real progress. Governments must prioritise practical, low-hanging fruit solutions to facilitate cross-border trade and reduce regulatory burdens. The private sector, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders must work in concert with policymakers to bring down barriers and unlock opportunity.
The AfCFTA is not merely a trade deal — it is a gateway to a more self-sufficient, empowered Africa. And in the agriculture sector, the seeds of that future are already being planted. Now is the time to ensure they bear fruit.
This is a dynamically generated comment by Liam O’Brien.