• Uzbekistan and South Africa agreed to establish a bilateral Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation and a joint working group.
• Discussions were held with government officials and industry representatives to explore cooperation in multiple sectors.
• Talks included discussions with major South African companies on project implementation in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, mining, infrastructure, healthcare and agribusiness.

From 9 to 14 February 2026, an interagency working group of the Republic of Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Shokhrukh Gulamov, conducted a working visit to the Republic of South Africa. The visit included a programme of meetings with South African government officials and private sector representatives aimed at deepening bilateral economic cooperation and expanding trade links.

During the visit, the Uzbek delegation held discussions with South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and Presidential Investment Advisor Alistair Ruiters. Following the negotiations, agreements were reached to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, establish a bilateral Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, and set up a joint working group tasked with increasing bilateral trade turnover.

In addition to government‑to‑government discussions, the delegation held meetings with executives from leading South African companies, including Sasol, Intertoll Africa, Aspen Pharmacare, Amka Products (Pty) Ltd, Life Healthcare, Brimstone Investment Corporation, Tsico Africa Group, Capespan, and Mechem S.A. The engagements focused on prospects for launching joint projects and investment implementation in sectors such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, mining, infrastructure, healthcare, and the agro‑industrial value chain.

The joint working group, formed under the intergovernmental framework, is expected to begin technical sessions later in 2026 to identify priority projects, harmonise customs and regulatory processes, and develop a roadmap for achieving measurable increases in bilateral trade and investment flows. Transitional arrangements and detailed work plans remain under development by both sides.

The agreements are part of Uzbekistan's ongoing efforts to diversify its export base and deepen economic integration with partners beyond traditional Eurasian corridors. South Africa, as the continent’s second‑largest economy, represents a strategic partner for expanding Uzbekistan’s trade links into African markets and promoting cooperation across key industrial sectors.

Cynthia Ebot Takang