JOHANNESBURG, March 29 — South Africa and China are seeking to expand bilateral trade amid global uncertainty, a senior China-Africa researcher has said. The remarks followed the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Forum held on Friday 27 March 2026 in Cape Town, which brought together government officials, business leaders and trade representatives to explore closer cooperation in investment and industry partnerships. Cobus van Staden, a senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, said the forum serves as an important platform to deepen economic and political ties and advance practical, mutually beneficial trade arrangements. “Both sides are interested in expanding trade relations amid ongoing international uncertainty,” he said. “Trade has become strategically important for both sides.” Van Staden said agriculture, green energy, automotive manufacturing and minerals are key areas of cooperation, as the two countries navigate rising tariffs and geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East.
He called for stronger joint research and development between South African and Chinese institutions, alongside government efforts to boost local industries and skills development, in order to attract more Chinese investment. “A more diversified industrial ecosystem would broaden opportunities for Chinese investors, help add value to local resources, and link South Africa to regional mineral value chains,” he said, adding that small and medium-sized enterprises can use such forums to build networks, better understand the Chinese market and explore new partnerships. The forum is part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable economic cooperation. In 2025, bilateral trade between China and South Africa reached 53.58 billion U.S. dollars, while China’s direct investment stock in South Africa exceeded 11.7 billion dollars. China has remained South Africa‘s largest trading partner for years, while South Africa is its biggest trading partner in Africa and a key investment destination. Cooperation continues to deepen in sectors such as automobiles and home appliances, alongside growing collaboration in digital and green development.
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