WAM
08 Jun 2026, 11:43 GMT+10
JOHANNESBURG, 8th June, 2026 (WAM) -- The UAE is a pivotal strategic partner for Africa, Lester Bouah, Chief Director for Investment Mobilisation at South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, said, highlighting that Dubai's emergence as a global centre for trade and investment is opening new growth opportunities for South African businesses.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Dubai-South Africa Business Forum held in Johannesburg, Bouah commended the trade mission organised by Dubai Chambers to South Africa, noting that it reflects the growing momentum in bilateral economic relations and the shared commitment to strengthening partnerships.
He stressed that the UAE is among South Africa's leading economic and investment partners, with bilateral relations continuing to expand in line with the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening long-term strategic cooperation.
Bouah said South Africa views the UAE as a key partner in promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation, not only at the bilateral level, but also as a global gateway linking Africa with international markets.
He added that economic relations between the two countries have strengthened in recent years through reciprocal visits by government officials and business leaders, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the economic partnership.
Bouah noted that trade and investment figures reflect the continued strengthening of economic relations between the two countries, with South Africa's exports to the UAE reaching approximately US$2.68 billion, reflecting expanding access to UAE markets and stronger bilateral trade flows.
He added that the UAE is among the leading international investors in South Africa, with Emirati investors launching 33 investment projects in the country valued at approximately $22.96 billion, creating more than 5,500 jobs. This, he said, reflects the confidence the Emirati business community places in the South African market.
Bouah said the department is seeking to attract further Emirati investments to South Africa, particularly in productive sectors that support economic growth and job creation. He highlighted promising opportunities for cooperation in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure development, logistics and advanced technology.
He noted that the relationship between the two countries extends beyond trade and investment to encompass strategic partnerships built on trust, mutual respect and shared interests, expressing hope that cooperation will expand to include additional sectors and economic opportunities in the coming years.
Get a daily dose of Kenya Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Kenya Star.
More InformationKHARTOUM, Sudan: The United Nations says sexual violence has become one of the main features of the war in Sudan, which is now in its...
LONDON, U.K.: Nigeria's Dangote refinery has built up a significant surplus of jet fuel and is well-positioned to supply markets around...
GENEVA, Switzerland: The United Nations weather agency said on June 2 that a moderate or possibly strong El Niño could develop, which...
GENEVA, Switzerland: Global health organization CEPI has committed roughly $60 million to accelerate the development of vaccines against...
(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images) The Tampa Bay Rays and visiting Boston Red Sox will both be searching for more offense...
JOHANNESBURG, 8th June, 2026 (WAM) -- The UAE is a pivotal strategic partner for Africa, Lester Bouah, Chief Director for Investment...
The Russian president fielded questions on Ukraine, strategic partnerships, new weapons systems, the Middle East, and Moscow's relations...
Tel Aviv [Israel], June 8 (ANI): Air raid sirens resonated across central and southern Israel on Tuesday after Iran launched a fresh...
Washington, DC [US], June 8 (ANI): The Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, has robustly defended his country's...
New posts 06:38 Iran Launches Missiles Toward Israel, IDF Says Israel says Iran launched missiles toward the Israeli territory...
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Indian markets continued to tumble into the red on Monday morning as a combination of geopolitical...
Tel Aviv [Israel], June 8 (ANI): Amid intensifying military engagements in West Asia, the top leadership of the Israel Defence Forces...
