A visit by the South African Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition to Japan has highlighted new opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation, trade and investment between South Africa and Japan.
Led by Mr Mzwandile Masina, the parliamentary delegation visited Japan from 29 June to 4 July 2026, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Japan.
The programme provided the delegation with an opportunity to engage Japanese government institutions, business organisations and leading companies on areas of mutual economic interest, while exploring practical opportunities to deepen the longstanding South Africa–Japan partnership.
Strengthening South Africa–Japan Economic Relations
The parliamentary visit comes against the backdrop of longstanding relations between South Africa and Japan, with both countries maintaining cooperation across trade, investment, industrial development, skills development, technology and energy.
During the programme, the delegation held engagements with Japanese government institutions and business stakeholders, including Keizai Doyukai, as well as leading Japanese companies.
Discussions focused on a range of strategic economic sectors, reflecting South Africa’s interest in attracting investment, expanding industrial capacity and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Focus on Trade, Investment and Industrialisation
Among the key areas explored during the visit were industrialisation, trade and investment, critical minerals, skills development, hydrogen and ammonia, green energy, technology transfer and localisation.
These areas are increasingly important to South Africa’s economic development ambitions and provide significant potential for cooperation with Japanese government and private-sector partners.
Japan’s advanced industrial capabilities, technological expertise and established business networks offer opportunities for partnerships that can support South Africa’s industrialisation objectives, while South Africa’s natural resources, strategic location and growing markets present opportunities for Japanese investors and companies.
The discussions therefore provided a platform to consider how bilateral economic relations can translate into increased investment, stronger industrial partnerships and greater participation in value-added economic activities.
Exploring Opportunities in Critical Minerals and Green Energy
Critical minerals and the transition towards cleaner energy were among the areas highlighted during the delegation’s engagements.
South Africa possesses significant mineral resources that are important to global industrial and energy-transition value chains. Cooperation with Japanese companies and institutions could contribute to greater value addition, technology transfer and the development of new industrial opportunities.
The delegation also explored opportunities related to hydrogen, ammonia and green energy, sectors that are becoming increasingly important as countries seek sustainable solutions to energy security and climate change.
Greater cooperation in these fields could contribute to innovation, investment and the development of new skills and technologies in both countries.
Technology Transfer, Skills and Localisation
Technology transfer and skills development were also central to the programme.
For South Africa, partnerships that support the transfer of knowledge, technology and technical expertise can play an important role in strengthening domestic industrial capabilities.
The emphasis on localisation further underlines the importance of ensuring that international investment contributes to local economic development, job creation, skills development and the growth of South African businesses.
Japanese companies, known for their expertise in advanced manufacturing, technology and industrial processes, can play an important role in supporting these objectives through long-term partnerships and investment.
Parliamentary Diplomacy Supporting Economic Cooperation
The visit also demonstrated the role of parliamentary diplomacy in supporting South Africa’s broader foreign policy and economic diplomacy objectives.
Engagements between legislators, government institutions and the private sector can help build a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing bilateral economic relations.
By engaging directly with Japanese stakeholders, the South African delegation was able to explore areas where parliamentary engagement can complement government-to-government and business-to-business cooperation.
