Paul Mashatile Arrives in London for Talks to Boost SA-UK Trade and Investment

Mashatile’s visit aims to strengthen economic ties, mobilize investment, and enhance collaboration in key sectors like innovation, energy, and tourism.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in London, United Kingdom, marking the second leg of his international working visit, which will conclude on Friday, October 4, 2024. The visit follows a successful trip to Ireland, where Mashatile focused on strengthening trade and investment cooperation, particularly in the areas of science, innovation, education, and skills development.

According to the Presidency, the London visit is aimed at improving trade and investment relations between South Africa and the UK, which remains one of South Africa’s most important bilateral partners. The UK is a key player in various sectors, including trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, the Just Energy Transition, and tourism.

The Deputy President’s visit seeks to boost investor confidence and attract foreign direct investment to South Africa. Mashatile will meet with a range of local and international private sector partners to mobilize investment and strengthen public-private partnerships that align with South Africa’s economic growth and transformation goals.

Mashatile’s office confirmed that the Deputy President would use the visit to advance the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which include fostering sustainable economic growth, addressing poverty, reducing the high cost of living, and building an ethical and capable developmental state.

During his visit, Mashatile will engage with influential organisations and institutions, including Bloomberg Media, the Financial Times, Sasol, the London Stock Exchange, Investec’s Investors Roundtable, Standard Bank, JP Morgan, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and the South African Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, Mashatile is expected to meet with high-profile figures such as the Duke of Edinburgh and the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner. These engagements aim to deepen bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.

Accompanying the Deputy President is a delegation of South African Ministers, including International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, and Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, alongside various Deputy Ministers.

This visit forms part of Mashatile's ongoing efforts to enhance South Africa's global standing, drive economic growth, and ensure the country remains an attractive destination for international investment.