South Africa

South Africa features one of Africa’s most advanced chili pepper sectors, with nearly 18,000 metric tons produced in 2023. Farming occurs throughout the country, focusing on open-field and greenhouse environments to maximize yields and extend seasons. Key varieties include jalapeño, cayenne, and bird’s eye.

Chili farming is increasingly driven by bio-farming, soil management, and irrigation advances. Popularity of hot food, exports, and processing (into sauces and powders) is rising, with chili and sweet peppers central to commercial vegetable farming as well as smallholder entrepreneurship.