The breakthrough could provide producers and processors with an important new destination as South Africa’s red meat industry continues to deal with one of its most serious Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks in decades.
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp announced the development at the Agri North West Congress, describing the agreement as a major milestone for the agricultural sector and its efforts to expand international market access.
South Africa and Egypt have successfully concluded negotiations on the Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) required for red meat exports. Shipments can proceed once the final signatures are formally added to the agreement.
Aucamp said the negotiations were treated as a priority because of the need for new markets for South African red meat farmers. He credited the negotiating teams and Egyptian veterinary authorities for reaching an agreement through constructive engagement.
The completed VHC provides exporters with a clear regulatory framework for entering the Egyptian market while establishing the animal health and food safety requirements that must be met.
The new market could allow South African producers and processors to diversify export destinations, expand operations and strengthen the wider red meat value chain, while reducing reliance on existing markets.
Aucamp said expanding international market access supports government’s broader objectives of inclusive economic growth and job creation. Greater exports could also help channel additional revenue into rural economies and support businesses across the agricultural value chain.