South Africa–India Roadmap for Technology, Trade and Investment

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile announced a focused SA–India collaboration agenda at the South Africa–India Technology, Trade and Investment Roundtable.

• Main announcement: Launch the SA–India SMME Industrial Linkage Programme within the next year and pursue a focused collaboration around Industrial and SMME Co-Creation, Technology Joint Ventures and Digital Infrastructure, Investment for Beneficiation and Industrial Capacity, and Skills, Talent and Innovation Ecosystems; flagship outcomes include the launch of the SMME programme within 1 year, establishment of at least two joint technology/pharmaceutical manufacturing projects serving African markets, and the rollout of an SA–India Youth Technology Skills Programme targeting AI, digital services and advanced manufacturing.
• Context and details: Builds on a 1995 science & technology agreement, participation in multilateral platforms (BRICS, IBSA, G20, NAM, IORA), and growing bilateral trade (from $4 billion in 2005 to nearly $20 billion in 2024); invites Indian investment into data centers, cloud infrastructure, fibre connectivity, and beneficiation of critical minerals (platinum-group metals, manganese, vanadium) using South Africa’s Special Economic Zones (Coega, East London, Richards Bay, Dube TradePort) and government facilitation via InvestSA and the One Stop Shop.