Maseru, Feb.12- The President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, has outlined agriculture and mining as key priority sectors for economic growth, job creation and export revenue.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026 to a joint sitting of Parliament at the Cape Town City Hall, Ramaphosa said government will intensify efforts to revitalise the two industries as part of broader economic reforms.
On agriculture, the President said his administration will continue expanding support to farmers, improving logistics and rural supply chains, and opening new export markets for agricultural products. He reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening food security and enhancing South Africa’s competitiveness in global markets.
Turning to mining, President Ramaphosa signalled renewed efforts to reinvigorate the sector, describing it as one of the country’s most valuable economic assets. He outlined plans to finalise a modern and transparent mining rights system aimed at unlocking both domestic and foreign investment in exploration and production.
The President further indicated that a framework for critical minerals will be implemented to position the country within the emerging green energy and technology economy, while ensuring maximum benefits accrue to South Africans.
He also stressed government’s intention to advance mineral beneficiation by processing raw materials domestically instead of exporting them in unrefined form. He said this approach is intended to deepen value chains, create employment opportunities and ensure that mineral wealth translates into tangible economic and social gains for local communities.
However, economic commentators and industry stakeholders have called for detailed implementation plans to address persistent challenges, including infrastructure bottlenecks, high input costs and energy constraints that continue to affect productivity in both sectors. There are expectations that clear timelines and measurable targets will accompany the outlined priorities.
The renewed focus on agriculture and mining reflects South Africa’s longstanding policy objective of leveraging its natural resources, supporting rural livelihoods and strengthening exports.
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