Cooperation

South Africa and Germany strengthen agricultural partnership

Alois Rainer, Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, visited South Africa from 10–12 March 2026 for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation. The visit marked the first time in thirteen years that a German agriculture minister travelled to South Africa. During the visit, I briefly spoke with Rainer, the DA’s John Steenhuisen, who serves as South Africa’s Agriculture Minister, and German Ambassador Andreas Peschke.

Part of the visit included the signing of a bilateral agreement to support South Africa in combating Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which the country has been struggling with in recent years. The agreement also promotes the trade of animal products between the two nations. Rainer described the partnership as an important milestone. “It is very important for me to be in South Africa. Firstly, it is the first time in thirteen years that a German Minister of Agriculture is visiting the country. But also, South Africa is a friendly country, a reliable and good friend.”

The relationship between Rainer and Steenhuisen also has a personal dimension. “I have a good relationship with Minister Steenhuisen. During the Global Food Forum, we spoke about South Africa’s struggle with Foot-and-Mouth Disease. This is not an uncommon issue in Germany, and so we wanted to help by offering our scientific expertise.” Beyond the current FMD challenges, the two ministers also discussed broader opportunities for cooperation. “We also discussed trade,  on an equal footing, as friends and partners,” Rainer added.

Steenhuisen echoed the sentiment, noting that Germany has long been an important partner to South Africa. “Germany has always been a good friend of South Africa,” he said. According to Steenhuisen, German expertise will now play a crucial role in addressing the outbreak. “Now, in our time of great need, we have some of the world’s leading experts working together with our local department to combat this issue,” he said. For Steenhuisen, the partnership demonstrates the value of international cooperation. “This is how international collaboration works, and this is what friendship looks like. We are grateful to Germany in our time of need, and we look forward to reciprocating when they need it.”

Andreas Peschke said the minister’s visit was particularly timely. Germany dealt with outbreaks of FMD last year and is now able to share expertise and best practices with South Africa. “Germany and South Africa have very close partnerships in many sectors,” Peschke said. “Agriculture is one of them, and it is an important area of trade between our two countries.” Peschke also highlighted Germany’s cooperation with South Africa during its G20 presidency of South Africa, particularly on issues of food security, demonstrating the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector