In a significant move to accelerate economic growth and address structural challenges within the agricultural sector, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of renowned agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo as the Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land.
The appointment, announced earlier today, February 21, 2026, places one of South Africa's most respected voices in agricultural policy at the heart of the Presidency's development agenda.
A mandate for growth and reform
As the newly appointed Envoy, Mr Sihlobo is tasked with supporting the Presidency's objectives regarding agriculture, rural development, land reform, and international trade. His role will be pivotal in:
- Overcoming constraints: Identifying and mitigating bottlenecks that hinder agricultural expansion.
- Boosting competitiveness: Enhancing the sector's global export profile and domestic productivity.
- Driving inclusion: Fostering a more equitable agricultural landscape that supports both commercial and smallholder farmers.
- Strategic collaboration: Working closely with government departments and key state-owned entities, including the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the Land Bank, and Onderstepoort Biological Products.
Who is Wandile Sihlobo?
Mr Sihlobo brings over a decade of experience in the sector and academia to this position. He currently serves as the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and has been a long-standing member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) since 2019.
A respected author and academic, he is a Senior Lecturer Extraordinary in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University and has published extensively on land reform, food security, and agricultural policy. His expertise is widely recognised, and his appointment is seen as a strategic effort to bridge the gap between economic research and tangible policy execution.
Strategic importance
The Presidency highlighted that the appointment was made in view of agriculture's vital role in South Africa's economic growth path. By integrating Mr Sihlobo's deep industry knowledge into the highest level of government, the administration aims to unlock progress and realise tangible gains in a sector that remains a cornerstone of the national economy.