South Africa’s avocados have become a hit in China, thanks to a trade agreement signed in August 2023. This deal has not only boosted South Africa’s avocado industry but also created much-needed jobs for local farmers and workers. The success of avocados is part of a larger story of growing trade between the two nations.
In addition to avocados, other South African products like wine, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gel have gained popularity in China. These items, often referred to as “celebrity products,” are widely sold and enjoyed online. At the same time, Chinese businesses have been making their mark in South Africa. Chinese-made cars and home appliances, manufactured in South Africa, have become top choices for African consumers.
This collaboration is part of a long-standing relationship. China and South Africa have shared 26 years of diplomatic ties, during which South Africa has consistently been China’s largest trading partner in Africa for 13 consecutive years.
The relationship between the two countries goes beyond trade. Both nations are members of BRICS, a group of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. South Africa was also the first African nation to sign a Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China. This connection has fostered strong collaboration at both governmental and community levels.
In August 2023, China and South Africa took their partnership further by signing 25 new agreements. These agreements cover a wide range of areas, including investments in energy, digital technology, and even space exploration.
One of the standout areas of collaboration is renewable energy. South Africa has abundant resources for solar and wind energy, and Chinese companies have stepped in to support the country’s shift toward greener energy solutions.
A prime example of this cooperation is the De Aar wind power project in the town of De Aar. This massive wind farm, which started operating in 2017, has a total capacity of 244,500 kilowatts. The project has been a game-changer for South Africa, helping to address the country’s power shortages, boosting the local economy, and contributing to environmental sustainability.
In early September 2023, just before the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, China and South Africa announced a new level of partnership. They called it a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.” This step underscores the importance both nations place on their collaboration.
One notable development was the signing of a memorandum of understanding on September 2, 2023, between the China Association for Science and Technology and South Africa’s Ministry of Science and Innovation. This agreement focuses on deepening ties in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It also includes plans to mutually recognize the qualifications of engineers from both countries and to promote the inclusion of women in STEM fields.
Another key initiative between China and South Africa is their collaboration on agricultural development. Under a FOCAC rural revitalization program, China has committed to building 100,000 mu (around 6,670 hectares) of standardized agricultural demonstration areas across Africa. Additionally, China plans to send 500 agricultural experts to African countries and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance.
These efforts aim to modernize farming practices, encourage investment from both Chinese and South African businesses, and lay the groundwork for long-term economic growth.
This growing partnership is part of a broader effort to promote development in the Global South—a term used to describe regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that are striving for economic growth and stability. By working together on trade, energy, technology, and agriculture, China and South Africa are setting an example of how countries can collaborate for mutual benefit.
The ties between these two nations continue to deepen, creating opportunities for shared success and strengthening their roles as leaders in the Global South.
