President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo as Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, reinforcing government’s focus on growth, reform and competitiveness.
In a move that signals agriculture’s strategic importance to South Africa’s economic trajectory, President Ramaphosa has named Wandile Sihlobo as Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land.
Sihlobo currently serves as Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and is a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. He also holds an academic role as Senior Lecturer Extraordinary in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University.
With more than a decade of experience spanning agricultural economics, policy analysis, land reform and food security, Sihlobo has built a reputation as one of the country’s leading voices on agricultural growth and structural reform. 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.
The appointment reflects the Presidency’s recognition of agriculture as a critical driver of inclusive growth, rural development, export expansion and job creation. The sector remains central to South Africa’s food security, trade competitiveness and land reform agenda, while also facing recurring structural and climate-related challenges.
In his new role, Sihlobo will support The Presidency’s priorities across agriculture, rural development, land reform and international trade. His mandate includes working closely with relevant government departments to strengthen policy coordination and unlock growth opportunities within the sector.
He will also collaborate with key state-owned entities including the Agricultural Research Council, Land Bank and Onderstepoort Biological Products, supporting efforts aimed at improving productivity, competitiveness and resilience.
Engagement with private sector stakeholders will form part of the envoy’s responsibilities, reinforcing a partnership-based approach to overcoming constraints and expanding opportunities in domestic and global markets.
The appointment positions agriculture firmly within South Africa’s broader economic growth strategy, with a focus on inclusion, competitiveness and strengthening the sector’s export profile in an increasingly competitive global environment.
