On 25 August 2025, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa, convened a high-level policy dialogue in Johannesburg. The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, and business leaders to discuss how Africa and China can respond to a rapidly evolving global trade environment.
Global trade is undergoing a profound shift. The post–Cold War multilateral order, once marked by open markets and predictable trade rules, is increasingly challenged by protectionist policies, tariffs, and unilateral economic measures. These developments carry significant geopolitical implications and create both uncertainty and opportunity for countries in the Global South. Against this backdrop, the dialogue offered a platform to explore strategies for strengthening trade, investment, and regional cooperation between Africa and China.
The programme opened with keynote remarks by H.E. Wu Peng, Ambassador of China to South Africa, who highlighted the importance of sustained engagement and strategic partnership between China and African countries. Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, Deputy Director at South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), also addressed participants on behalf of the department, emphasising South Africa’s commitment to trade diversification and regional economic integration. Following the opening, a fireside chat between SAIIA Chief Executive Elizabeth Sidiropoulos and H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), explored the potential of the AfCFTA to enhance Africa’s trading position. Their conversation highlighted how regional integration, value addition, and sectoral development can strengthen Africa’s resilience in a rapidly shifting global economy, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
A presentation by Muziwethu Ndlovu, KAS-SAIIA Research Scholar, examined the Global South’s pursuit of fairness in global economic governance. He addressed challenges facing the World Trade Organization, including the urgent need to reform its Dispute Settlement Mechanism to ensure its continued relevance for African countries and the broader Global South. The dialogue then moved into two panel discussions:
Panel 1: Responding to Global Trade Shifts – Implications for Africa–China Trade Cooperation, led by Gustavo de Carvalho, Senior Researcher at SAIIA, focused on how protectionism, tariffs, and the retreat from multilateralism are affecting Africa–China trade. Panellists explored practical strategies to uphold multilateralism, strengthen regional value chains, and identify new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
Panel 2: Unlocking Sectoral and Strategic Opportunities – AfCFTA and Africa–China Economic Cooperation, led by Dr Joseph Upile Matola, Acting Head of SAIIA’s Economic Resilience and Inclusion Programme, examined the AfCFTA as a platform to expand trade and investment between Africa and China. Discussions highlighted opportunities in infrastructure, agriculture, green manufacturing, and other strategic sectors, alongside policy initiatives to align Chinese investments with Africa’s industrialisation goals.
The dialogue concluded with closing remarks from SAIIA and the Chinese Embassy, reaffirming the importance of constructive engagement in navigating global trade challenges. Participants emphasised the urgency of diversifying African exports, strengthening South–South cooperation, and working collectively to shape a more inclusive and resilient global trading system. By providing a forum for frank and constructive discussion, the dialogue demonstrated the potential for Africa–China cooperation to drive economic growth and sustainable development, even amidst a complex and uncertain global trade landscape.
Event Recording
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