Johannesburg: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged Indian business leaders and investors to work with South Africa to build industries that create jobs, advance technology, and expand skills to meet the changing needs of the economy. Addressing the South Africa-India Technology, Trade and Investment Roundtable, he underscored the importance of deeper cooperation in turning global challenges such as unilateralism, climate change, and resource depletion into opportunities.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mashatile emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to transform these challenges into opportunities. He highlighted the importance of turning climate action into renewal, technology into empowerment, and global governance into a voice for all. Mashatile pointed out the complementarities between India's competitive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem and South Africa's industrial and entrepreneurial base.
To capitalize on these strengths, Mashatile proposed the establishment of a South Africa-India Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Industrial Linkage Programme. This initiative would focus on supply-chain integration, co-production, and joint market access, prioritizing sectors like agro-processing, mining beneficiation, renewable energy components, pharmaceuticals, and digital services.
Mashatile advocated for a shift from technology transfer to technology co-creation, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence in shaping competitiveness across various sectors. He called for investment in data centers, cloud infrastructure, and fiber connectivity to bolster Africa's digital economy.
The Deputy President highlighted the existing strong investment footprint of India in South Africa and expressed a desire to deepen this through beneficiation-led and manufacturing-focused investment in critical minerals and technologies. He also stressed the potential for a South Africa-India Skills and Innovation Exchange, focusing on university partnerships, youth technology programs, and vocational training.
Mashatile proposed flagship outcomes from this collaboration, including the launch of the South Africa-India SMME Industrial Linkage Programme, joint technology or pharmaceutical manufacturing projects, and a South Africa-India Youth Technology Skills Programme. These initiatives aim to provide tangible platforms for partnership, investment, and job creation.