South Africa and Saudi Arabia are taking a major step in strengthening their strategic partnership today (September 10), as Riyadh hosts the 10th session of the Saudi-South African Joint Committee.

This high-level meeting brings together senior ministers from both governments to advance cooperation across areas of direct relevance to South Africa’s growth ambitions and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of economic diversification, sustainable development, and strengthened international cooperation.

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These areas include energy security, mining and minerals, infrastructure development, agriculture, trade and investment, education, culture and social development.

A key feature of this session is the Saudi-South African Business Council, which will be held alongside the committee. This Council is designed to facilitate direct communication between investors and highlight promising economic opportunities in both countries.

The Saudi delegation will be led by His Excellency Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, while the South African delegation will be headed by His Excellency Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

This session builds on more than two decades of cooperation since 1999 under the General Agreement of Cooperation, and comes at a time when bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and South Africa have experienced rapid growth, driven by strategic investments and shared economic goals.

• Trade is balanced and expanding: In fiscal 2024, Saudi non-oil exports to South Africa reached USD 613 million, while South African exports to the Kingdom totaled USD 901 million.
• Energy and renewables are central: Saudi investment in South Africa includes ACWA Power’s Bokpoort Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant in the Northern Cape and other clean-energy projects, while Sasol is partnered with SABIC in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Chemical Complex.
• Food security and agriculture remain important: SABIC Agri-Nutrients’ 70% acquisition of ETG Inputs Holdco Limited has bolstered agricultural supply chains and food security initiatives in South Africa.

These investments and collaborations represent the two-way flow of capital and expertise, contributing to economic growth and long-term partnerships.

The Saudi delegation will include officials from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Energy, Investment, Culture, Sport, Justice, Health, Human Resources and Social Development, Environment, Water and Agriculture, Economy and Planning, Communications and Information Technology, and Finance.

National institutions and bodies such as the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, the General Authority of Foreign Trade, the Saudi Fund for Development, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and the Federation of Saudi Chambers will also participate.

The South African delegation will comprise senior officials from key ministries and bodies, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy; Mineral and Petroleum Resources; Agriculture; Transport; Social Development; Higher Education and Training; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Interior Affairs, along with representatives from the Bureau of Standards.

This diverse participation highlights South Africa’s dedication to expanding collaboration with the Kingdom across multiple sectors.

The committee’s agenda will focus on identifying new avenues for development and joint investment, with an emphasis on enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, industry, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The meeting will also explore collaborations in education, culture, and social development, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the partnership and the shared vision for mutual growth.

This session will be a significant moment for advancing sustainable development and deepening Saudi-South African relations. It provides a practical framework for defining new paths of cooperation that contribute to prosperity and growth for both countries, affirming their positions as strategic partners in the years to come.