Gauteng to Visit China: Hunan Trade Ties Strengthen Economic Prospects

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that he will lead a delegation of local farmers and entrepreneurs to central China’s Hunan Province in June, a move that marks a major milestone in strengthening economic relations between the two regions.

The visit is aimed at finalizing a groundbreaking trade agreement that will open new markets for South African products, particularly from Gauteng’s small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

During his quarterly media briefing on May 22, Premier Lesufi highlighted that the partnership with Hunan is expected to unlock significant opportunities for local exporters.

“This will open new trade avenues for our SMMEs to export nuts, rooibos tea, biltong, honey, moringa and wine to Hunan’s vast market of over 66 million people across 13 cities without major restrictions,” said Lesufi.

This international collaboration comes at a time when Hunan Province is seeing record growth in its trade with African countries.

South Africa Leads as Hunan-Africa Trade Surges to over R20 Billion in 2025

According to data released by Changsha Customs, exports from Hunan to Africa reached 8.65 billion yuan (approximately 1.2 billion USD) in the first four months of 2025—an increase of 6.3% year-on-year. Mechanical and electrical products accounted for over half (53.2%) of this value, with exports totaling 4.6 billion yuan. The so-called “new trio” products—electric vehicles, solar panels, and lithium-ion batteries—saw an astonishing 747.1% growth in exports to Africa, reaching 270 million yuan.

Importantly, South Africa has emerged as Hunan’s largest African trading partner during this period, accounting for over one-fifth of its total trade with the continent.

This strong bilateral trade relationship underscores the importance of Premier Lesufi’s visit and the potential benefits for Gauteng’s economy.

The Premier stressed that the agreement is a “game-changer” for small businesses in Gauteng. “Their operations create more jobs and contribute to the growth of our economy. We are committed to ensuring that SMMEs receive the necessary support to succeed in this international venture,” he said.

The timing of this engagement is strategic. China’s recent zero-tariff policy for 33 least-developed African countries, implemented in December 2024, has further stimulated trade. Hunan’s imports from these countries rose by 27.1% in the first four months of 2025, totaling 3.68 billion yuan.

The upcoming visit will solidify Gauteng’s footprint in this growing trade landscape, opening the door for more targeted export growth, especially in agricultural and speciality products.

It aligns with Gauteng’s broader goal of driving economic growth through increased international trade and SMME development, particularly in townships and informal settlements.

As South Africa continues to face domestic economic challenges, this partnership with Hunan Province stands out as a promising avenue for job creation, export diversification, and long-term investment.