On 23 April 2026, Fumio Shimizu, Ambassador of Japan to South Africa, held productive discussions with Barbara Creecy, Minister of Transport, marking an important step in deepening bilateral cooperation in the transport sector.

The meeting focused on advancing public-private partnerships (PPPs) and exploring innovative solutions to enhance South Africa’s transport systems. Key areas of discussion included car recycling initiatives, rail modernisation, and port efficiency, all of which are critical to driving economic growth and improving logistics performance across the country.

Ambassador Shimizu emphasised Japan’s commitment to supporting sustainable development, noting the potential for collaboration in building resilient and future-ready infrastructure. Japan’s globally recognised expertise in transport technology and infrastructure development presents valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and investment in South Africa.

Minister Creecy welcomed the engagement, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in addressing infrastructure challenges and accelerating progress in the transport sector. Strengthened cooperation between South Africa and Japan is expected to contribute to improved mobility, environmental sustainability, and economic competitiveness.

The discussions reflect a shared vision between the two nations to leverage innovation and collaboration in shaping a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport ecosystem. Ambassador Shimizu expressed his hope to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s infrastructure development, reinforcing the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.