South Africa is seeking stronger investment flows from the United Arab Emirates as trade links with Dubai continue to expand. The latest push follows the Dubai–South Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg, where business leaders highlighted growing cooperation in trade, services, manufacturing, infrastructure and mining. Dubai–South Africa non-oil trade reached AED29.2 billion in 2025, equivalent to nearly US$8 billion, while South African investment in Dubai has exceeded AED1 billion over the past five years. The momentum positions Dubai as a global launchpad for South African firms and South Africa as a strategic gateway for UAE investors targeting the wider African continent.
Key Overview
- Dubai–South Africa non-oil trade reached AED29.2 billion in 2025, roughly US$8 billion.
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce organised 674 bilateral business meetings in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- The Dubai–South Africa Business Forum attracted 520 attendees, including officials, investors and business leaders.
- South African investment in Dubai exceeded AED1 billion, or US$294 million, over the past five years.
- Priority sectors include tourism, professional services, financial services, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and mining.
Trade Momentum Drives Business Diplomacy
South Africa’s commercial ties with Dubai are gaining pace as both sides work to convert diplomatic engagement into business deals. Dubai Chamber of Commerce organised 674 bilateral business meetings between Dubai-based firms and South African counterparts during its latest trade mission to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The mission brought 24 Dubai-based companies from sectors including construction, electronics, engineering, environmental solutions, FMCG, food and beverages, healthcare, ICT, innovation, investment, manufacturing and retail. The Dubai–South Africa Business Forum was organised with the UAE Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The trade figures show why the engagement matters. Dubai–South Africa non-oil trade reached AED29.2 billion in 2025, up 265% over the past decade from AED8 billion in 2016. Dubai Chamber of Commerce also reported 873 South African companies registered as active members by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with 45 new South African companies joining during the quarter.
Dubai Seen as a Global Expansion Gateway
Mtho Xulu, President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said relations with the UAE are witnessing sustained growth, driven by shared interest from governments and business communities. He described Dubai as a global trade and investment gateway linking African companies to the Gulf, Asia and wider international markets.
For South African businesses, Dubai offers access to capital, logistics networks, re-export channels and a concentration of multinational buyers. For UAE investors, South Africa offers industrial depth, financial-market sophistication, natural resources and a base for broader African expansion.
The relationship has also been strengthened by Dubai Chambers’ physical presence in South Africa. In 2025, Dubai International Chamber opened a Cape Town representative office to support bilateral trade and investment, following earlier operations in Johannesburg.
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Services, Manufacturing and Mining Lead the Agenda
The strongest opportunities are emerging across services, manufacturing, infrastructure and mining. Xulu highlighted tourism, professional services, financial services and technology as areas where both countries can build partnerships. The UAE’s global success in tourism and services gives South Africa a practical model for attracting capital, improving visitor experiences and developing service exports.
Manufacturing is another priority. South Africa is trying to strengthen industrial production and expand value-added sectors, creating openings for Emirati investors in advanced manufacturing, processing industries, consumer goods and supply-chain development.
Mining and infrastructure also remain central to the investment case. South Africa has deep mining expertise and abundant natural resources, while its infrastructure pipeline requires long-term capital, project finance and delivery partnerships. These are areas where UAE firms have increasing regional ambition.
Investment Flows Are Already Building
The investment relationship is not starting from zero. South African investment in Dubai has already topped AED1 billion, or US$294 million, over five years, spanning sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals and food industries.
The broader UAE–South Africa relationship also remains significant. In earlier bilateral trade discussions, UAE officials said non-oil trade with South Africa reached US$8.5 billion in 2024, making South Africa one of the UAE’s most important African trade partners.
Bottom Line
South Africa’s push for stronger UAE investment comes at a time when Dubai is actively expanding commercial links across Africa. The latest forum and trade mission show that cooperation is moving beyond speeches into meetings, memberships, investments and sector-specific opportunities. The next test will be whether this momentum turns into bankable projects, export growth, factory investment and deeper two-way capital flows.
Sources used: WAM / Aletihad / Government of Dubai Media Office
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