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.
Google translate