Vietnam and South Africa established diplomatic relations on December 22, 1993, though their cooperation dates back to the 1960s. During Vietnam’s resistance war against the US, the country received strong moral support from the people and African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa. Vietnam backed South Africa’s fight against apartheid and its efforts to build a democratic, non-racial society.

Building on this longstanding foundation, bilateral relations have grown strongly over the past three decades across Party, state and people-to-people channels. South Africa was the first African country with which Vietnam established a Partnership for Cooperation and Development.

Both sides have maintained dynamic political and diplomatic engagement through regular all-level visits and exchanges at Party, State, parliamentary and ministry-levels. People-to-people exchanges have also been encouraged to strengthen mutual understanding. The most notable recent example was South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to Vietnam on October 23–24.

During the visit, Vietnamese leaders affirmed the importance of solidarity between the two nations and their commitment to strengthening traditional friendship. President Ramaphosa said the trip reaffirmed South Africa’s determination to deepen cooperation with Vietnam as the country seeks wider global economic engagement.

Vietnam and South Africa agreed to accelerate work toward upgrading their ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2025, aiming to create fresh momentum for more substantive cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and for peace and development in the region and the world.

The two countries also coordinate and support each other at international organisations and multilateral forums. South Africa has recently supported Vietnam’s candidacies to the UN Security Council (2020–2021), the Human Rights Council (2023–2025) and the World Heritage Committee (2023–2027).

Strong potential in economic, trade ties

Economic cooperation remains one of the most dynamic areas of the partnership. South Africa is Vietnam’s leading trade partner and export market in Africa. Bilateral trade increased from US$192 million in 2007 to US$1.72 billion in 2024.

Vietnam mainly exports electronics, mobile phones and components, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products such as coffee, rice, cashew nuts and pepper. South Africa’s exports to Vietnam include minerals, particularly coal, alongside fruits, wood, chemicals and other raw materials.

Both sides are also exploring new areas of cooperation, including mining, machinery, metallurgy, steel production, renewable energy, textiles, footwear, fertilisers, processed foods and supporting industries.

As of July, South Africa had 20 valid investment projects in Vietnam worth US$0.88 million. Vietnam had four projects in South Africa with registered capital of US$8.86 million.

There is growing scope for cooperation in new and green energy, climate finance, e-commerce, banking and finance, science, technology and innovation, and tourism. Currently, the two sides are actively discussing measures to promote bilateral economic cooperation through the exchange of potential export products, jointly solving market access issues, promoting cooperation in areas of strength, such as mineral exploitation, supporting industries, oil and gas services, renewable energy, and fisheries.

Looking ahead, Vietnam and South Africa aim to scale up trade and economic cooperation to match their potential; strengthen ties in education, defence and security; and explore opportunities in sustainable resource use, infrastructure development and climate change response. They also plan to make full use of mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Partnership Forum, the Defence Policy Dialogue and the Vietnam–South Africa Joint Trade Committee, while boosting cultural and artistic exchanges to increase mutual understanding.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang said the visit is expected to elevate Vietnam–South Africa relations, bringing concrete results in trade, investment, industry, mining, logistics, green supply chains and innovation.

She further stated that Vietnam hopes to establish priority channels to facilitate the movement of capital, technology, goods and skilled workers, creating new opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in key sectors. The country also seeks to strengthen people-to-people links and cooperation in culture, education, labour and tourism, and to support stronger connections between the Vietnamese community in South Africa, the host society and the homeland, contributing practically to bilateral ties.

Prime Minister meets with visiting South African President

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 23 had a meeting with visiting South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, during which the two sides agreed to promote market access for each other’s goods and products in order to boost bilateral trade.