By Cremilda Macuacua, China Africa News
BEIJING, Feb. 7, 2026 — In a significant moment for Africa–China relations this week, South Africa has taken decisive steps to deepen economic ties with Beijing, culminating in a landmark agreement aimed at reshaping trade between the two countries.
On Friday, February 6, 2026, South Africa’s Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau, signed a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Prosperity with China during a high level session of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission in Beijing. The pact, part of the broader China Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA), is designed to grant duty-free access to the Chinese market for a range of South African exports, with further details to be solidified in an “Early Harvest Agreement” expected by March 2026. The agreement signals Beijing’s ongoing initiative to gradually eliminate tariffs on exports from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
Tau’s journey to China began on Thursday, February 5, when he arrived in the Chinese capital to negotiate the terms of this framework and meet with Chinese firms interested in investing in South Africa. His visit was part of a broader effort by Pretoria to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on traditional partners, particularly in light of recent U.S. tariffs including a 30 % duty imposed last year on some South African products that have weighed on key sectors.
China is already South Africa’s largest trading partner, and the two countries have emphasised the strategic importance of expanding economic cooperation. Pretoria is keen to see its agricultural and mineral products including citrus fruits, rooibos tea and high‑value manufactured goods enter the vast Chinese market more competitively, while also attracting increased Chinese investment into South African industries, including energy, mining and technology.
The framework agreement covers cooperation in trade, investment and multilateral engagement, providing a stable and predictable environment for business and aligning with World Trade Organization principles and the development objectives of both nations. Chinese authorities have also extended invitations for South Africa to participate in major trade events, including exhibitions at the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai and investment focused missions aimed at fostering further economic engagement.
For South Africa, the deal represents not only a chance to boost exports and attract foreign investment, but also to navigate a shifting global trade landscape where competition among major economies including the United States, the European Union and China is increasingly shaping opportunities for African producers and exporters.
As this story continues to develop, it underscores a broader trend of African nations forging deeper economic links with China, even as they balance relationships with multiple global partners in pursuit of sustainable growth and broader market access.
