President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ongoing state visit opens new opportunities for trade, investment, and sustainable development cooperation between the two countries.

A historic visit with strategic meaning

At the invitation of State President Luong Cuong,  President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa is paying a State visit to Vietnam from
October 23-24.

This marks the first visit to Vietnam by a South African head of
state in nearly two decades, underscoring both countries’ determination to
deepen their partnership in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The visit is widely viewed as a strategic milestone – a
turning point to elevate the “Partnership for Cooperation and Development”
between Vietnam and South Africa toward greater substance and efficiency.

“South Africa finds great inspiration in how Vietnam rebuilt
itself after the war. There are many valuable lessons that South Africa can
learn from Vietnam’s experience in governance, financial management, and
economic reform,”  Mr. Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, said.

Historical bonds of solidarity and mutual support

Vietnam and South Africa share a unique historical
connection that dates back to their struggles for national independence and
social justice. The Communist Party of Vietnam and the African National
Congress (ANC) established ties of friendship and solidarity during the fight
against colonialism and apartheid.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on December
22, 1993, the two countries have nurtured a relationship based on mutual trust,
respect, and shared values of peace, independence, and cooperation for
development.

South Africa – a leading economy in Africa

Located at the southernmost tip of the continent, South
Africa stands as Africa’s most industrialized and diversified economy. It
accounts for around 60% of global chromium trade, ranks first worldwide in gold
exports, second in platinum production, and fourth in wine exports.

South Africa plays an important role in regional and global
governance as the only African member of the G20 and an active participant in the BRICS. The country has long been an advocate for African integration through
the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and currently holds the 2025 G20
Presidency, reinforcing its global leadership.

Expanding two-way trade and investment ties

Trade and investment ties between Vietnam and South Africa
have continued to grow steadily in recent years. In 2024, bilateral trade
value reached approximately $1.8 billion, making South Africa Vietnam’s
largest trading partner in Africa. On the investment front, South Africa
currently has 20 active projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of $0.88
million, ranking 109th among 151 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnam has 4
investment projects in South Africa worth $8.86 million, placing it 45th
among Vietnam’s 84 overseas investment destinations. These figures reflect the
increasing economic engagement between the two nations and the potential for
further expansion in the years ahead.

South Africa is currently Vietnam’s top trade partner in
Africa. Bilateral trade reached nearly $1.8 billion in 2024, driven by strong
demand for electronics, footwear, textiles, and agricultural products from
Vietnam, while South Africa exports minerals, metals, and raw materials to  Vietnam.

Both sides are exploring 50 potential export items to
enhance market access and diversify trade flows. Investment cooperation is also
expanding, focusing on renewable energy, mining, steel production, agricultural
processing, fertilizers, and supporting industries.

A delegation from South Africa’s Department of
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment during a visit to Vietnam (Photo: Nhandan
newspaper)

Beyond economics: building sustainable and inclusive growth

Both Vietnam and South Africa are working toward inclusive
and sustainable development. South Africa’s National Development Plan – Vision
2030 focuses on improving livelihoods and reducing inequality, while Vietnam is
pursuing its Green Growth Strategy and digital transformation agenda.

These shared goals create strong foundations for cooperation
in green energy transition, climate adaptation, and digital economy development
– fields that will define the future of global growth.

“Both
Vietnam and South Africa are emerging economies with vibrant societies. We
complement each other – Vietnam’s manufacturing and agricultural strengths
match well with South Africa’s industrial capacity and resource base,”  Analysis Team from VnEconomy remarks.

Cooperation in multilateral arenas

On the global stage, Vietnam and South Africa have
consistently coordinated and supported each other’s initiatives across various
international organizations. South Africa has endorsed Vietnam’s successful
candidacies for important bodies such as the United Nations Security Council
(2020-2021), the UN Human Rights Council (2023-2025), and the UNESCO World
Heritage Committee (2023-2027).

Both countries share a common aspiration to strengthen the
collective voice of developing nations and to advance South-South cooperation
through multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Group of 77
(G77), the BRICS, and other global platforms. This close coordination reflects
their shared commitment to promoting fairness, inclusivity, and sustainable
development in the international order.

People-to-people connections and cultural exchange

In recent years, cooperation between the two nations has
expanded beyond government and business to education, biodiversity
management, and cultural exchange. Simplifying visa procedures, boosting
tourism promotion, and encouraging direct air connectivity are among the
measures being discussed to bring the peoples of the two nations closer
together.

Delegations from South Africa’s ministries and provinces
have visited Vietnam to explore cooperation models, especially in sustainable
agriculture, vocational training, and small business development. Many South
African leaders have expressed admiration for Vietnam’s post-war recovery and
industrial modernization experience.

A vision for the future

The State visit to Vietnam by President Cyril Ramaphosa not only
reinforces political trust but also lays a foundation for a new chapter of
comprehensive and practical cooperation between the two countries. It
reflects Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization and diversification, in combination with comprehensive and effective international integration,  and South Africa’s determination to expand
partnerships with dynamic economies in Asia.

As both nations look ahead, they share a vision of
partnership that transcends geographical distance – a relationship anchored in
mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a common commitment to sustainable
growth.

Together, Vietnam and South Africa are poised to turn their
historic friendship into a forward-looking strategic partnership – one that
contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia, Africa, and the world as a whole.

Báo Nhân Dân-Trong Hoang