Expansion of cooperation between Russia, South Africa in agriculture linked to growing direct ties between entrepreneurs - Agroexport

MOSCOW. Oct 13 (Interfax) - The prospects for expanding cooperation between Russia and South Africa in the agricultural and food sector are linked to the strengthening of direct ties between both countries' entrepreneurs, the Agroexport federal center said.

This was stated at the opening ceremony of a business mission of Russian exporters of agricultural products to South Africa on Monday, Agroexport said. The event was organized by Agroexport together with the Russian Agriculture Ministry.

"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 the current business mission will become an important step in strengthening direct ties between our countries' entrepreneurs," senior diplomat of the Russian Embassy in South Africa Denis Belous was quoted as saying.

As reported, according to Agroexport's data, Russia supplied South Africa with around 230,000 tonnes of agricultural products worth more than $54 million in 9M 2026.

The head of Agroexport, Ilya Ilyushin, who took part in the opening ceremony of the business mission, said that the largest amount of trade comes from grain crops, but the potential for expanding supplies is significant.

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, one of the leading meat processors in South Africa located in Johannesburg.