UAE And South Africa Discuss Strategies To Boost Bilateral Trade And Investment Relations

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, recently engaged in discussions with Mpho Parks Tau, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. Their conversation focused on enhancing trade, investment, and private-sector partnerships between the two countries. This meeting highlighted the UAE's dedication to bolstering economic ties with South Africa and the broader African continent.

The dialogue between Al Zeyoudi and Tau follows a previous roundtable involving officials and business leaders from both nations. Fahad Al Gergawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, also participated alongside a delegation from South Africa. The roundtable aimed to explore avenues for deeper economic collaboration.

The UAE has been actively expanding its relationships across Africa, emphasising sustainable growth through strategic partnerships. Recently, the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Angola. This adds to existing CEPAs with Mauritius, Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville, and the Central African Republic.

During their meeting, both ministers reiterated their commitment to enhancing cooperation between their private sectors. They aim to develop stronger economic relations that will lead to mutual prosperity for both nations.

Al Zeyoudi highlighted significant growth in non-oil trade between the UAE and South Africa. In 2024, trade reached US$8.5 billion, marking a 14% increase from 2023 and a 120% rise since 2019. The first half of 2025 saw US$3.93 billion in non-oil trade between the two countries.

"South Africa is a vital partner for the UAE in Africa," stated Al Zeyoudi. "My conversations today with Tau underscore the close bonds we share in trade and investment." He noted recent projects in logistics, renewable energy, and real estate as examples of this collaboration.

Exploring New Opportunities

The ministers discussed potential opportunities in agriculture, food production, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. They believe that by working together they can build on current momentum and support each other’s economic goals.

South Africa is now the UAE’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, accounting for 7.6% of total non-oil trade with the continent. Globally, it ranks as the UAE's 22nd largest trading partner.

The meeting underscored both nations' shared vision for future growth through enhanced cooperation and strategic partnerships across various sectors.

With inputs from WAM