South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for a bold shift in bilateral trade strategy during the country’s debut as Guest Country at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), hosted in Beijing.
In a keynote address, Mashatile urged South Africa and China to move beyond traditional commodity trade toward a more resilient, diversified, and green economic future. He stressed the need for e-commerce development, digital transformation, and the strengthening of global supply chains amid increasing disruptions from natural disasters and geopolitical instability.
“We have adopted policies and strategies that are conducive for business to thrive, building robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions and ensure the efficient flow of goods and services,” said Mashatile.
Rebalancing Trade Beyond Commodities
Highlighting South Africa’s modern infrastructure and growing industrial base, Mashatile addressed the current imbalance in China-bound exports, which remain heavily weighted toward raw materials. In response, South Africa brought a delegation of 30 diverse manufacturers to Beijing, showcasing everything from:
- Natural cosmetics and electro-technical gear
- Clothing, leather, and footwear
- Plastics, chemicals, and mining engineering solutions
The move marks a deliberate push to shift global perceptions of South Africa from a commodity supplier to a high-value industrial and service economy.
Mashatile also confirmed that South Africa is pursuing access to Chinese Free Trade Zones and expanding product listings on major e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba, calling it “critical to balancing our trade.”
Green and Digital Value Chains in Focus
In line with South Africa’s G20 2025 Presidency, Mashatile invited Chinese investors to engage with the country’s Renewable Energy Masterplan, a R15 billion (US$784 million) initiative aimed at:
- Generating 25,000 green jobs
- Advancing solar, wind, and battery manufacturing
- Enhancing renewable infrastructure in both rural and industrial hubs
He also encouraged collaboration in green manufacturing and digital infrastructure, aligning with both countries’ long-term sustainability agendas.
South Africa’s G20 Procurement Mission and Trade Strategy
Mashatile announced a dedicated procurement mission during the G20 Summit in November 2025, aimed at deepening ties between Chinese buyers and South African exporters. The mission will spotlight:
- Digitally enabled trade
- High-tech industrial products
- Green value chain integration
Framing the CISCE platform as synergistic with G20 objectives, Mashatile reiterated South Africa’s commitment to fair, rules-based trade driven by industrialisation, innovation, and inclusivity.
Positioning South Africa as Africa’s Resilient Trade Gateway
Mashatile’s message was clear: South Africa is no longer just a source of raw materials. It is presenting itself as a resilient, industrialised hub at the forefront of Africa’s green and digital transition, and an ideal partner for Chinese investment.
By leveraging CISCE as a strategic launchpad, South Africa is inviting multifaceted partnerships that combine commerce, innovation, and sustainability.
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