Is there scope for ABSA to fund projects outside of South Africa?
It is feasible but relies on identifying the right projects. A limiting factor for projects in Africa is the lack of basic infrastructure and banking facilities. Agriculture relies heavily on a good infrastructure system and a lack there-of is obviously going to impact on the viability of agricultural ventures. In the future, if our neighbouring countries stay stable, this will definitely be the way forward. Many of our neighbouring countries have greater agricultural potential than we do. We are currently looking at a project in Swaziland, and discussed the possibility of joint initiatives with Tanzanias Minister of Co-operatives and Marketing, Hon. CG Kahama, during his visit to South Africa in September last year. We have close working relationship with Tanzania. Any views on land reform? Experience from other parts of the world shows that land reform is a complex and slow process and is not about agriculture only. People require land for many reasons, viz., residential, business, f
