Edition May 2026

South Africa’s agricultural sector sits at the intersection of food security, economic growth and global trade – an industry shaped as much by policy and markets as by climate and innovation. 

At the centre of efforts to strengthen its competitiveness and inclusivity is the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), an institution tasked with expanding market access and guiding evidence-based decision-making. 

Leading this mandate is Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni, an agricultural economist whose blend of academic rigour and public sector experience has positioned him as a key voice in shaping the future of South African agriculture.

Ngqangweni believes that for South Africa’s agricultural sector to unlock faster and more inclusive economic growth, collaboration is no longer optional but is essential. Farmers, policymakers and private sector players must work together to build resilience in an industry that feeds the nation and underpins rural livelihoods.

In a recent interview with Public Sector Manager magazine, he emphasised that cooperation lies at the heart of the sector’s endurance. 

Despite persistent pressures, from climate shocks and natural disasters to outbreaks of diseases such as foot-and-mouth, agricultural stakeholders have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and commitment. 

He notes that it is this shared determination, forged through collaboration, that has enabled the sector not only to withstand adversity, but to continue growing against the odds.

“We have been able to continuously overcome these challenges. We must also ensure that growth is inclusive of new emerging participants, especially black people due to our country’s history,” he said. 

A rich career background 

An accomplished agricultural economist, Ngqangweni brings a rare blend of academic insight and policy expertise to his role at the helm of the NAMC. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Pretoria, where he also lectured for seven years – an experience that continues to inform his data-driven and evidence-based approach to leadership.

His professional journey has been closely intertwined with the NAMC, where he has played a formative role in strengthening the institution’s research and economic analysis capacity. Having first joined the council as a Senior Researcher and later serving as Senior Manager responsible for the Markets and Economic Research Centre, Ngqangweni returned to the organisation with a breadth of experience gained in senior government roles at the then Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 

Today, as Chief Executive Officer, he draws on this depth of institutional knowledge and strategic insight to advance the NAMC’s mandate – positioning it as a key partner in shaping policy, improving market access, and driving inclusive growth across South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Heading the NAMC 

Following a brief period as Acting CEO, Ngqangweni was formally appointed as CEO of the NAMC in June 2020. Alongside his executive leadership, he remains a respected academic voice, with extensive publications across agricultural and food policy, rural markets, land reform, and agricultural economic development.

In his current role, Ngqangweni operates under the strategic direction of the NAMC Board, providing overall leadership to ensure the organisation delivers on its mandate. 

His responsibilities encompass steering the council’s strategic vision, overseeing its financial and human resources and cultivating strong stakeholder relationships. Through these partnerships and networks, he works to position the NAMC as a trusted convenor and catalyst within the agricultural sector.

The council’s work is guided by four core strategic objectives: expanding market access for all participants; improving the efficiency of agricultural product marketing; optimising export earnings; and enhancing the long-term viability of South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Central to this mandate is the regulation and oversight of statutory measures, including levies paid across the agricultural value chain by registered industry participants – from producers and distributors to input suppliers. These levies enable the NAMC to deliver essential services, support informed decision-making and finance ongoing research and innovation initiatives aimed at ensuring the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability into the future.

“The levies also help the Council with collection of information regarding how prices are being set, to ensure transparency across the sector. This also speaks to promoting the efficiency of the marketing of agricultural products,” he explained.

Increasing market access 

Operating within the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act of 1996, the NAMC works to expand equitable access to markets across the agricultural value chain – an approach that also strengthens export earnings. 

Ngqangweni notes that through these efforts, the council supports about 120 smallholder farmers each year by linking them to formal market opportunities, including major retailers.

“Over the past five years, we have been able to link over 1000 small-holder farmers to markets, working with a limited budget,” he said. 

The council also serves as a key advisory body to the Minister of Agriculture, a role supported by the analytical expertise of its researchers within the Markets and Economic Research Centre. Through rigorous research and market analysis – both locally and internationally – the team identifies growth opportunities and provides evidence-based insights that inform policy decisions on agricultural markets.

South Africa recently experienced shortage of eggs, following the outbreak of avian influenza. During this period, the NAMC played a critical advisory role, recommending the introduction of a temporary customs duty rebate facility to allow imports to enter the country. This intervention helped stabilise supply, alleviate pressure on the domestic market, and shield consumers from sharp increases in egg prices.

 “We did this in conjunction with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Department of Agriculture, until the egg market was able to recover while the country was putting measures in place to fight the avian flu,” he said. 

Ngqangweni added that the NAMC had recently advised the Minister of Agriculture to recognise approximately nine indigenous medicinal crops for inclusion under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act of 1996..

He said this recognition could enable the sector to inject an additional R12 billion into the economy annually, provided the necessary support is put in place to commercialise the production of these crops.

SA export portfolio 

Approximately 42% of South Africa’s agricultural exports are destined for markets in the rest of Africa, making it the sector’s largest trading region. This is followed by the European Union and the United Kingdom, which together account for about 31% of exports. The Middle East and Asia represent the next major destinations, receiving roughly 20%, while about 6% of agricultural exports are shipped to the Americas. Key export products include citrus fruits, table grapes, nuts and wine. 

“Incidentally, our agricultural economy depends much on exports, which drive growth in the sector. In 2025, our exports reached a record value of about US$15 billion, which is about R270 billion,” he said. 

Compared to its counterparts in the continent, the South African agricultural sector has grown significantly over time. Ngqangweni attributes this progress to ongoing technological advancement that has strengthened productivity and enhanced the sector’s global competitiveness. 

He pointed out that South Africa remains the only African country ranked among the world’s top 40 agricultural exporters. ❖