Economic cooperation is one of the defining pillars of the partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of South Africa. The two countries continue to expand trade, investment, and private sector cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity. The UAE is South Africa's largest trading partner among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while South Africa is the UAE's second-largest trading partner in Africa.
Bilateral trade continues to grow steadily. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 8.5 billion in 2024, representing a 14% increase compared to 2023 and growth of 120% compared to 2019. This positive momentum continued during the first half of 2025, when non-oil trade totaled approximately USD 3.93 billion. Investment cooperation has also expanded significantly, with UAE investments in South Africa exceeding USD 2.5 billion during the first half of 2026, while South African foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UAE surpassed USD 800 million over the same period.
As economic cooperation continues to expand, both countries are creating new opportunities for investors and businesses across sectors of mutual interest, including agriculture, logistics, financial technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, renewable energy, the digital economy, mining, healthcare, and education. Reflecting this momentum, Dubai Chambers organized a trade mission to South Africa under the theme "New Horizons" during the first half of 2026, with the support of the UAE Embassy in Pretoria. The mission brought together representatives of 24 Dubai-based companies and facilitated 674 business meetings with South African counterparts. By the end of the first quarter of 2026, 873 South African companies were registered as active members of Dubai Chambers.
The strength of the economic partnership is further reflected in a growing portfolio of landmark investments and commercial projects. In November 2025, Optasia became the first UAE company to be listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, marking the largest fintech initial public offering in Africa. During the South Africa Investment Conference 2026, DP World announced an investment of approximately USD 80 million in logistics, ports, and infrastructure projects. Jumeirah Group entered into a strategic partnership with Thanda Group to develop two tourism destinations in Tanzania and South Africa. Space42 launched services through the Thuraya 4 satellite, while e& expanded its presence by opening a wholesale services office in South Africa.
The UAE's economic engagement also extends beyond South Africa to the broader region. DP World inaugurated a state-of-the-art cold chain distribution facility in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Al Baddad Holding launched the Botswana New City project with an investment of USD 1.9 billion, while Malaffi announced a strategic investment of USD 1.5 billion to support the digital transformation of Botswana's national healthcare system. In addition, International Resources Holding acquired a majority stake in Alphamin Resources in a transaction valued at USD 367 million, further reinforcing the UAE's long-term investment footprint across the region.
