The United Arab Emirates and South Africa are deepening their economic relationship, following new data showing non-oil trade between the two nations reached $8.5 billion in 2024, a 14% increase from the previous year and a staggering 120% rise since 2019.
This was revealed during a high-level meeting between Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and representatives of the South African Business Council in the UAE.
In the first half of 2025 alone, non-oil trade between the two countries totaled $3.93 billion, cementing South Africa’s status as the UAE’s second-largest non-oil trade partner in Africa.
Minister Al Zeyoudi identified several strategic sectors for enhanced cooperation, including:
- Food security
- Logistics
- Infrastructure development
- Tourism
- Renewable energy
He noted that increased collaboration in these sectors could drive economic growth and support sustainable development in both countries.
“Our goal is to deepen our economic partnership through joint projects and increased private sector participation,” Al Zeyoudi said.
Currently, more than 3,690 South African companies operate in the UAE, spanning key sectors such as:
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Financial services
Both sides agreed to explore new frameworks that encourage private sector engagement, innovation, and trade facilitation.
The meeting underscores the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a gateway for African trade, while South Africa seeks to expand its footprint in the Gulf and Asia through enhanced ties with the UAE.
The UAE has increasingly become a critical trade hub for African businesses looking to access global markets, supported by free zones, advanced logistics infrastructure, and trade-friendly policies.
Key Figures:
- $8.5 billion in UAE–South Africa non-oil trade in 2024 (+14% YoY)
- +120% trade growth since 2019
- $3.93 billion in trade recorded in H1 2025
- 3,690+ South African companies operating in the UAE
What’s Next?
With economic diversification as a top priority for both countries, analysts expect upcoming trade missions, bilateral forums, and potential free trade agreements (FTAs) to accelerate cooperation further.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is also expected to hold follow-up meetings with African trade envoys ahead of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, which will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria — another key market for UAE investors.
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