Mozambique remains South Africa’s leading trading partner in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and across the continent, with annual trade volumes exceeding $2 billion, according to South Africa’s Chargé d’Affaires in Mozambique, Puleng Chaba.
The robust exchange is anchored in geographic proximity, historical ties, and shared economic interests, with exports from Mozambique largely dominated by aluminium from the Mozal smelter—accounting for 40 percent of total exports—alongside electricity from Cahora Bassa, agricultural goods such as cotton, sugar and tobacco, and minerals, including titanium and gemstones.
In return, Mozambique imports vehicles, processed foods, electrical and agricultural machinery, chemicals, and generic pharmaceuticals from South Africa.
Chaba highlighted the scale of cross-border activity, noting that up to 2,000 trucks pass daily between the two countries carrying a wide range of goods. While South Africa trails only China and India in terms of Mozambique’s global trading partners, it continues to lead on the continent, with over 300 South African firms currently operating in Mozambique in energy, agriculture, finance, and trade.
Speaking ahead of the 60th Maputo International Fair (FACIM 2025), Chaba stressed the focus on diversifying investment, fostering foreign direct investment, and building partnerships that support inclusive growth, with particular emphasis on innovations in green technology and manufacturing.