Producers of indigenous plants across the Eastern Cape are poised to benefit significantly from a new export strategy that promises to unlock international markets worth R5.25 million. The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), in partnership with the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO), has officially launched the Eastern Cape Natural Ingredients Export Promotion Strategy, targeting a 25% increase in exports over the next three years.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Direct Benefit For Indigenous Plant Producers
The comprehensive strategy offers tangible benefits for local farmers and harvesters of indigenous plants, including guaranteed access to at least five new international markets and support for securing a minimum of 15 new product certifications. More than 100 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the export value chain will receive specialised training and support.
Producers of the Eastern Cape’s prized indigenous plants such as aloe ferox, honeybush, rosemary, hemp, rose geranium, Artemisia afra and African sage stand to gain the most from this initiative.
Lucrative International Markets Await
Target export markets include North America, particularly the United States and Canada, as well as the United Kingdom, Europe and Switzerland, where demand for organic and sustainable products continues to surge. The strategy also identifies strong opportunities in Asia, driven by rising consumer interest in health and wellness, with key markets including Japan, China, South Korea and India.
“The strategy is designed to boost the export of natural ingredients from the Eastern Cape by identifying international opportunities, positioning local producers as global suppliers and helping them overcome market access barriers,” explains Linda Lubengu, ECDC Trade Promotion Specialist.
Also read: Why South African farmers should embrace indigenous crops
Addressing Historical Export Gaps
Despite the province’s abundance of natural ingredients, the sector has remained underdeveloped for export purposes. The ECDC recognised this gap and partnered with SIPPO, which promotes natural ingredient and processed food imports from South Africa to Switzerland and the European Union, to formulate this comprehensive export strategy.
“The first step was to map the existing landscape: which products are available, who is exporting, what markets they’re targeting and what challenges they face. This informed the strategy we are launching today,” says Lubengu.
Comprehensive Support System
The development process involved extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC), South African export councils, the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.
For the 2025/26 financial year, the focus will centre on a province-wide mapping exercise to better understand producer needs, provide market intelligence and prepare them for export readiness. Following this groundwork, producers will receive direct support in promoting their products in selected international markets.
Capitalising On Global Health Trends
“The Eastern Cape is home to a wealth of botanical resources with innovative applications across industries such as cosmetics, skincare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and traditional medicine. Many of these plants are sustainably harvested from the wild and have transitioned into the formal economy, proving their value and quality on larger platforms,” notes Lubengu.
International trends in respect of alternative and natural health remedies, particularly in cosmetics and healthcare, present a timely opportunity for Eastern Cape producers to expand their natural product exports. The province’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity offer high-value, sustainable resources that align perfectly with global market demands for authentic, ethically sourced ingredients.
This strategic initiative positions indigenous plant producers at the forefront of a growing international market, promising substantial economic benefits while preserving the province’s rich botanical heritage.
