Beijing, 07 November 2025 – As South Africa gears up to host the first G20 Summit in Africa in the latter part of this month, a multitude of activities has been rolling out across China, with the aim of boosting investment and trade between the two countries. This ongoing demonstration of commitment to growing the economic linkages, various government institutions and private enterprises have been recently engaged in strategic initiatives that have the potential for mutual gains for South Africa and China.
As a follow up to both the South Africa Investment Conference that took place in May this year, and the more recent Business Roundtable that took place on the margins of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit to Beijing in July 2025, another successful investment conference was hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beijing on Friday 07th November 2025. Under the theme “Investing in South Africa to build a high-quality South Africa–China community for shared prosperity in a shared future”, the gathering attracted Chinese companies with an interest in exploring investment opportunities in the highly diversified South African economy.
During the State Visit to the Republic of South Africa by President XI Jinping, and subsequently the State Visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to China last year, the leaders encouraged the respective business communities to enhance two-way investments and increase their manufacturing bases within the proximity of the relevant source of raw materials so as to enable the transfer of skills technology and job creation. These consistent diplomatic commitments have served to inspire many entrepreneurs to seek opportunities for business growth in their counterparts’ home countries.
A collaboration between the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Brand South Africa, the Department of Trade and Industry & Competition (dtic), with the support of the Industrial Development Corporation, CAD Fund, Standard Bank and ABSA, the investment conference sought to highlight investment opportunities for Chinese investors in, among others, finance, infrastructure development, agriculture, green manufacturing, energy and mining. The conference offered a unique opportunity for business leaders, investors, and relevant stakeholders from both countries to engage in focused and meaningful discussions towards taking advantage of available opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Charge d’Affairs a.i. of the South African Embassy in Beijing,
Mr. Mahdi Basadien emphasised that China is one of the most important economic partners of South Africa. This is our effort to deepen investment cooperation with China. This is also done with the intention of creating an awareness of what South Africa can offer from a preferred destination perspective. The participation of the Industrial Development Corporation and the Department of Trade and Industry and Competition is a reflection of South Africa’s commitment to exhibit an excellent investment environment. As an off-shoot from investment it is hoped that it will facilitate a change in the structure of trade between our two countries by addressing the trade imbalance.
During his presentation, the dtic’s Chief Director for Investment Mobilisation, Mr. Lester Bouah referred to the diverse nature of South Africa’s economy and how it presents a vast range of opportunities for investment. “The stable political environment, sophisticated business environment, along with ease of connectivity to the rest of the African continent, further strengthen South Africa’s attractive proposition as in investment destination”, he said.”
Recognising the need to promote a wider understanding of the country, a senior member of Brand South Africa’s board of directors, Mr. Jerry Mpufane was also in attendance. Mr. Mpufane highlighted some of the unique attributes that make South Africa an attractive market for the Chinese business community. He further added, “This is an energised relationship where both nations are active in building economic relations. We are building on a longstanding track record of co-operation.” He also added, “It is encouraging to see this amount of enthusiasm for the Chinese market by South African institutions and enterprises. This kind of investment in building onto the 27-year strong diplomatic relationship between our countries will certain yield remarkable results for both sides.”
South Africa’s investment conference in Beijing is but one of numerous strategic initiatives that the country has embarked upon in China recently. As a demonstration of South Africa’s commitment to further enhancing economic exchanges with China, a series of investment roundtables have recently been held in Chongqing, Wuhan, Chengdu, Shenzhen, as well as Shanghai.
On Monday 03 November, South Africa’s dtic launched a strategic partnership with the Go Global Service Centre in Nanshan District, Shenzhen. The partnership will enable the dtic to establish a physical presence in Shenzhen, which is one of China’s leading innovation and investment hubs as part of the broader Go Global Initiative. The Go Global Initiative by the Chinese government is designed to connect global investment promotion agencies, institutions, and businesses with Chinese outbound investors.
The collaboration aims to enhance South Africa’s trade and investment promotion capacity in China by facilitating direct access to outbound Chinese investors, business networks, and promotion platforms, in alignment with the concerted drive to attract foreign direct investment into South Africa. Through the partnership, at least 67 packaged investment projects available in South Africa, mainly in infrastructure, green energy, manufacturing, and agro-processing, will be promoted to interested investors. This presence in Shenzhen, will provide significant visibility and access to the Southern China business ecosystem, which includes major technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure enterprises.
Meanwhile, a multitude of South African institutions participated in the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, held from 05 – 10 November 2025. In addition to hosting a national pavilion housing 32 companies promoting their products to the local Chinese market, South Africa also hosted a business seminar on the side-lines of the CIIE on Thursday 06 November. Concurrently, South African banking institutions showcased a wide variety of their commercial partners’ offerings at the expo.
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South African Embassy, Beijing P.R.C.
Tel: +8610 85320023
Email: Tiany@dirco.gov.za
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Brand South Africa
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