South African Delegation Opens Doors for Indian Enterprises
“With India–South Africa trade and investment relations gaining new momentum, a high-level business dialogue was held to explore opportunities across key sectors, including mining, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology-led collaborations.”
All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and World Trade Center Mumbai hosted an interactive business dialogue aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties between India and South Africa, focusing on complementarities across sectors and technology-led collaborations. The event provided Indian enterprises with a platform to explore opportunities for joint ventures and sustainable growth in emerging industries.
The high-level South African delegation was led by Mr. Gideon Labane, Consul General, South African Consulate General Mumbai, and Ms. Ledile Bambo, Head of Delegation, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa. Policymakers and industry fraternity explored investment-friendly policies, sectoral opportunities, and the growing role of India–South Africa cooperation through platforms such as BRICS, G20, and IBSA.
In the picture: Ms Priya Pansare. Director-Trade and Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai felicitating Mr. Gideon Labane, Consul General, South African Consulate General Mumbai and Ms Ledile Bambo, Head of Delegation, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa
Mr. Gideon Labane, the Guest of Honour, addressed the meeting by inviting Indian businesses to leverage South Africa as a gateway to the African continent, highlighting opportunities in mining, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, chemicals, renewable energy, infrastructure, and tourism. He emphasized, “Mumbai is one of the powerhouses of the Indian economy and a critical partner for South Africa. We are opening doors for Indian businesses with improved visa facilitation, soon-to-be-launched direct flights, and simplified e-travel authorizations. The true success lies not only in trade numbers, but in the lasting impact it creates for communities.”
He further noted that South Africa’s G20 presidency would prioritize the G20–Africa Cooperation Agenda, focusing on inclusive growth, healthcare investments, digitalization, decarbonization, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen global partnerships.
Ms. Ledile Bambo highlighted South Africa’s range of technology- and innovation-linked incentives in auto, agriculture, textiles, and general manufacturing. Indian manufacturers setting up operations in South Africa can benefit from export promotion schemes, building allowances, customs and excise duty incentives, and corporate tax benefits, making the country a competitive investment destination. She noted, “South Africa is not in competition with India, but in complementarity. India brings technology, scale, and investment, while South Africa provides inputs, capabilities, and access to wider African markets. Together, we can co-create value and drive inclusive industrial growth.”
Industry representatives expressed keen interest and asked queries in sectors such as electronics, food processing, special tax incentives, and SEZ opportunities, which were well answered by the delegation.
Ms. Priya Pansare, Director–Trade and Investment Promotions, WTC Mumbai, highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral trade: “India and Africa share a strong partnership spanning over three decades, supported by robust trade ties and platforms like BRICS, G20, and IBSA. This dialogue is an important step in unlocking new opportunities for Indian enterprises in South Africa’s emerging industries. The enthusiastic response from business delegates reinforces our confidence that bilateral trade between India and South Africa is set to double in the coming years. WTC Mumbai remains committed to catalysing India–South Africa business linkages and supporting enterprises in discovering new avenues for growth and collaboration.”