A new era: President Ramaphosa's historic visit to Vietnam and its benefits for South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to Vietnam this week signals a decisive step in strengthening ties between South Africa and one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies — marking a new chapter in a relationship built on historical solidarity and now poised for deeper economic cooperation.
The visit, which begins in Hanoi on Thursday, comes as Vietnam commemorates 80 years of independence and undergoes a generational transition in leadership — a moment the Presidency described as both “timely and symbolic.”
Trade between South Africa and Vietnam has steadily increased over the years, reaching about R31 billion (US$1.79 billion), highlighting growing potential for deeper cooperation in trade and investment.
According to Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, the trip underscores South Africa’s intent to elevate bilateral relations with Vietnam to the level of a Strategic Partnership, a move that would anchor cooperation across trade, investment, technology, and education.
“The state visit to Vietnam by President Ramaphosa reflects the deepening ties between the leaders of South Africa and Vietnam, underpinned by mutual respect and growing cooperation,” Magwenya said.
“The decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone, signalling shared commitment to long-term collaboration across key sectors.”
From Solidarity to Strategic Trade
Relations between the two nations date back to Vietnam’s support for South Africa’s liberation struggle and the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993. In recent years, the relationship has shifted toward economic diplomacy, with both countries seeking to diversify trade and investment partners.
South Africa exports minerals, steel, and agricultural products to Vietnam, while importing electronics, textiles, and machinery in return. Vietnam’s expanding consumer market — driven by a population of about 100 million and a rising middle class — offers fresh opportunities for South African businesses, particularly in agriculture, automotive components, and renewable energy.
“Vietnam’s dynamic economy and strategic position in Southeast Asia make it a vital partner in South Africa’s efforts to diversify markets and expand trade opportunities,” Magwenya added.
Economic Engagement and Business Ties
Ramaphosa’s programme in Hanoi includes official talks with Vietnamese President To Lam and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Vietnam–South Africa Business Forum scheduled for Friday.
The forum is expected to explore investment opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and green energy — key pillars of both nations’ post-pandemic recovery strategies. Trade between the two countries remains modest compared with South Africa’s other Asian partners, but both sides have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in education, tourism, and technology transfer, particularly in fields such as smart agriculture and electric mobility.
A Pivot to Asia and the Global South
Importantly, this visit comes amid broader background. On Tuesday, IOL reported that Ramaphosa has appointed Enoch Godongwana as acting president while the head of state undertakes his Southeast Asia tour — including stops in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. The Presidency highlighted that the international trips would “advance South Africa’s bilateral relations … particularly in trade and investment.”
Vietnam, a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is central to South Africa’s Asia-outreach. South Africa was recognised in 2023 as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner, creating new platforms for collaboration across trade, governance and sustainable development.
As global economic power continues to shift eastward, analysts see Ramaphosa’s visit as part of Pretoria’s effort to align with the emerging Asia-Pacific growth arc — strengthening its presence in a region that now drives more than half of global GDP growth.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News