Русский
The prospects for expanding cooperation between Russia and South Africa in the agricultural and food sectors are directly linked to the strengthening of direct ties between the two countries’ entrepreneurs, according to Russian agricultural analysts.
Denis Belous, of the Russian Embassy in South Africa, was speaking during a business mission of Russian agricultural exporters targeting South Africa on Monday (October 12) and said that “Our common task is to ensure that the high level of political dialogue between Russia and South Africa finds practical reflection in the growth of mutual trade turnover, the development of industrial cooperation and the implementation of joint projects. I am convinced that this will become an important step in strengthening direct ties between our countries’ entrepreneurs.”
Russia supplied South Africa with around 230,000 tonnes of agricultural products worth more than US$54 million in 9M 2026. In terms of value, the main products exported from Russia to South Africa was wheat — worth more than US$51.5 million, instant coffee, valued at US$1.1 million, and millet, worth about US$770,000. Ilya Ilyushin, the head of Agroexport, added that the potential for exporting applies is also significant.
In 2025, the total trade turnover between Russia and South Africa increased by 6.2% compared with 2024, reaching US$907.8 million. Russian exports traditionally consisted mainly of fertilisers and grain. Compound fertilisers accounted for 40% of shipments, wheat for 20%, nitrogen fertilisers for 16%, potash fertilisers for 13% and coal at 5%. As part of the business mission, working meetings are planned with the South African Meat Processors Association, the South African Meat Importers and Exporters Association and representatives of the Russian embassy and trade mission in South Africa. In addition, B2B meetings will be held between Russian and South African companies. Participants of the mission will also visit the production facility of QK Meats SA, of Johannesburg, one of the leading meat processors in South Africa. Both Russia and South Africa are full members of the BRICS bloc.
