Johannesburg: Mtho Xulu, President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that economic relations between the United Arab Emirates and South Africa are experiencing strong momentum and sustained growth, driven by a shared commitment from both governments and business communities to strengthen cooperation and transform their strategic partnership into tangible projects, investments, and economic opportunities.
According to Emirates News Agency, in statements on the sidelines of the Dubai-South Africa Business Forum, organized by Dubai Chambers in Johannesburg, Xulu highlighted that the UAE, and Dubai in particular, has become a global economic center and a key gateway linking African markets with the Middle East, Asia, and the wider world. This positioning makes it an important strategic partner for South African companies seeking international expansion.
Xulu expressed the view that Dubai serves as one of the world's most significant trade and investment gateways, providing African companies with access to extensive global markets. Concurrently, South Africa offers Emirati investors a platform for accessing growing investment opportunities across the African continent.
He announced South Africa's aspiration to host the Dubai Business Forum, organized by Dubai Chambers, to showcase opportunities created by the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Xulu described this as a historic step reflecting the depth of the growing relationship between the two sides.
Xulu discussed the non-oil trade between Dubai and South Africa, which reached approximately US$8 billion in 2025. He noted a milestone in bilateral economic relations achieved last year when South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry led a high-level economic delegation to the UAE.
The visit facilitated productive meetings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi aimed at expanding economic and investment cooperation and opening new communication channels between the private sectors of both countries. One key outcome of that visit was an agreement to strengthen the role of chambers of commerce and economic institutions in leading direct cooperation between companies and business leaders.
Xulu underscored that the true significance of relations between countries lies in their translation into business partnerships, investments, and trade flows. He emphasized that cooperation between Dubai Chambers and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry serves as a practical model for converting governmental understandings into real economic opportunities that create added value for both sides.
Regarding promising sectors for cooperation, Xulu identified the services economy, particularly in tourism, professional services, financial services, and technology, as significant areas for both countries. He also highlighted manufacturing as a key priority for South Africa, with substantial opportunities for partnership with Emirati companies in various industries.
Xulu further pointed to major investment opportunities in infrastructure and mining, noting South Africa's abundant natural resources and advanced expertise in mining, alongside promising infrastructure projects that require international partnerships, financing, and investment.
UAE-South Africa relations extend beyond bilateral cooperation to include coordination in a range of international economic forums, which strengthens the partnership and opens new prospects for future collaboration. Xulu expressed optimism about the future of relations with the UAE, emphasizing the long-term strategic partnership based on trust, shared interests, and a mutual desire for growth and prosperity.