South Africa is seeking expanded infrastructure support from China, focusing on modernizing its ports, railways and road networks to stimulate economic growth and regional integration, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said Thursday.
Speaking during the ninth South Africa-China Bi-National Commission in Cape Town, Mashatile highlighted the urgent need to upgrade transport systems that have long constrained trade and industrial output.
“Infrastructural development remains critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration,” Mashatile said during talks with visiting Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
South Africa aims to strengthen its logistics backbone, particularly state-owned freight and port operations, which have faced operational inefficiencies and declining performance in recent years.
China partnership gains momentum
Mashatile said collaboration between Pretoria and Beijing has steadily expanded over three decades, becoming a key pillar of South Africa’s economic strategy.
He pointed to ongoing cooperation in energy planning, including gas-to-power and nuclear initiatives, as well as joint efforts in mineral processing and value addition.
“We are encouraged by the growing collaboration in energy planning and the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in beneficiation,” Mashatile said.
China has remained one of South Africa’s largest trading partners, with investments spanning construction, energy and manufacturing sectors. Analysts say further infrastructure financing could help address bottlenecks that have slowed exports.
Focus on innovation and skills development
Beyond physical infrastructure, South Africa is also looking to expand cooperation with China in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
Mashatile welcomed increased collaboration in innovation, saying it would support technology localization and skills development.
“South Africa welcomes growing cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, which will advance sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He also emphasized China’s role in technical and vocational education and training programs, which are equipping young South Africans with critical skills, including in new energy vehicle technologies.
Experts say such initiatives could help bridge the country’s skills gap while preparing its workforce for future industries.
