In a pivotal policy exchange, 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 dialogue on global trade, a forum designed to address the shifting tides of international commerce and strengthen Africa–China collaboration.
As global trade increasingly contends with rising protectionism, retaliatory tariffs, and the retreat from multilateralism, the event offered stakeholders from diplomatic, academic, business, and policy spheres a space to discuss strategies rooted in resilience and regional integration.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng and Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, Deputy Director at South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), delivered keynote remarks reaffirming the urgency of sustained Africa–China partnership, and South Africa’s commitment to trade diversification and regional integration.
A fireside chat between SAIIA CEO Elizabeth Sidiropoulos and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene spotlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to bolster regional resilience through value addition, agriculture, and manufacturing expansion.
KAS-SAIIA Research Scholar Muziwethu Ndlovu addressed the urgency of WTO reform, particularly its Dispute Settlement Mechanism, emphasising what is required for a fair and effective trade governance system for the Global South.
Two panel discussions sharpened focus further:
- Panel 1: Led by Gustavo de Carvalho, examined how Africa–China trade can weather protectionist waves and envisioned reinforced regional value chains and bilateral opportunities.
- Panel 2: Chaired by Dr. Joseph Upile Matola, emphasised AfCFTA’s capacity to catalyze investments in infrastructure, green manufacturing, and agriculture, aligning Chinese investments with Africa’s industrial priorities.
In closing, organizers and participants echoed a shared vision: the necessity of expanding African export diversity, deepening South–South cooperation, and building a more inclusive, resilient global trade system through constructive Africa–China engagement.
