South Africa Seeks Deeper Trade and Tech Links with China at Supply Chain Expo in Beijing

Beijing, June 22, 2026 — South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for stronger economic and industrial cooperation between Africa and China, using his keynote address at the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo to push for expanded value-added trade and investment flows.

The expo, which runs from June 22 to 26 in Beijing, has brought together global policymakers, investors, and technology firms under a shared agenda of strengthening resilient global supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical and economic shifts.

Mashatile used the platform to highlight South Africa’s strengths in logistics, finance, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, urging deeper collaboration that moves beyond raw material exports toward higher-value industrial production.

He further emphasized the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which connects an estimated 1.3 billion consumers across the continent, saying Africa must position itself as a key player in global manufacturing and digital transformation.

The China International Supply Chain Expo has attracted 676 anchor exhibitors from 85 countries, showcasing a wide range of innovations in manufacturing, energy, and digital systems.

Among the participants is U.S. technology company Nvidia Nvidia, which has featured a full artificial intelligence showcase at the event, drawing attention from global industry leaders.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang praised China’s technological ecosystem, describing it as a key driver in global innovation and supply chain resilience.

The expo is being held under the theme of linking global markets through more resilient and interconnected supply chains, reflecting growing efforts to stabilize trade flows amid global uncertainty.

South Africa’s engagement at the forum signals its continued push to strengthen economic diplomacy with Asia while leveraging global partnerships to accelerate industrial growth and technological advancement at home.