Non-oil trade between the UAE and South Africa reached $8.5 billion in 2024, marking a 14% increase from 2023 and a 120% rise compared to 2019. Both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation as economic ties strengthen.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, met with Mpho Parks Tau, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, to explore new avenues of collaboration across logistics, renewable energy, real estate, agriculture, food production, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
In the first half of 2025, non-oil trade between the countries reached $3.93 billion. South Africa now ranks as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, accounting for 7.6% of total non-oil trade with the continent and 22nd globally.
Expanding Africa Trade and Investment
Al Zeyoudi said, “South Africa is a vital partner for the UAE in Africa. Our discussions highlighted opportunities in logistics, renewable energy, real estate, agriculture, and manufacturing. By working together, we can build on our positive momentum and support each other’s economic and development ambitions.”
The UAE has also concluded Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with five sub-Saharan African nations, including Mauritius, Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville, Central African Republic, and Angola. These agreements aim to foster new trade corridors, diversify export markets, and boost investment flows between the Gulf and Africa.
