South Africa and Türkiye Deepen Agricultural Ties Through High-Level Bilateral Visit

Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa has joined Deputy President Paulus Mashatile on a Working Visit to Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, to advance agricultural and economic cooperation between the two nations. The visit centers on strengthening trade, investment, and technology partnerships that can boost food production and agri-business growth.

The South African delegation is holding bilateral meetings with ATA Holding Group, one of Türkiye’s major investment conglomerates with interests in energy, infrastructure, and agri-processing. These discussions aim to identify joint ventures that can improve agricultural productivity, promote value addition, and create export opportunities for South African farmers and agribusinesses.

Deputy Capa’s participation highlights the central role agriculture plays in South Africa’s international partnerships. The visit focuses on building cooperation in areas such as irrigation technology, mechanization, fertilizer production, and the exchange of research expertise. South Africa hopes to leverage Türkiye’s advanced agricultural systems to enhance local capacity and resilience across farming communities.

A major outcome of the visit is the establishment of the inaugural South Africa–Türkiye Bi-National Commission. This platform formalizes cooperation between the two countries, ensuring that agricultural collaboration remains a strategic priority. It will oversee projects that promote sustainable land use, improve access to global markets, and strengthen institutional support for farmers.

Türkiye is a key agricultural hub bridging Europe and Asia, while South Africa serves as a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa. Strengthening cooperation between these economies creates mutual benefits through trade diversification, technology transfer, and shared innovation.

The Working Visit signals South Africa’s continued commitment to building productive international partnerships that support food security, rural development, and inclusive growth. By aligning public and private sector efforts through structured bilateral engagement, both nations aim to unlock new agricultural opportunities that can drive long-term transformation across their economies.