South Africa remains Malaysia’s largest African trading partner with RM7.82 billion bilateral trade in 2024, as minister highlights growing economic cooperation
JOHANNESBURG: South Africa continues to be Malaysia’s most significant trading and investment partner on the African continent, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He confirmed that South Africa was Malaysia’s largest African trading partner in 2024 with total bilateral trade reaching RM7.82 billion.
Malaysia exported goods worth RM3.84 billion to South Africa while importing RM3.98 billion worth of products during the same period.
“We hope this close relationship continues to flourish and deliver mutual benefits for our peoples and nations,” Tengku Zafrul stated on social media.
The minister emphasized that the MADANI Government values Malaysians abroad as vital envoys who enhance the country’s global standing.
During his official visits to Ethiopia and South Africa, he shared Malaysia’s economic aspirations with a focus on boosting trade and investment.
Tengku Zafrul highlighted Malaysia’s strong economic performance, noting 5.2% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025.
The country remains on track to achieve its 2025 growth target of 4% to 4.8%.
Malaysia attracted RM285.2 billion in approved investments during the first nine months of 2025, with foreign investment comprising 52.9% of the total.
The minister is part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s delegation touring three African countries from November 18 to 24, 2025.
Anwar attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg as ASEAN Chair for 2025 at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The delegation, including Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, will proceed to Nairobi, Kenya before returning to Malaysia. – Bernama
