​​​​​​ISTANBUL

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile said Friday that a South Africa-Türkiye partnership creates an “ideal foundation” for the fourth industrial revolution.

“Türkiye’s expertise in advanced manufacturing, combined with South Africa's infrastructure and young, skilled workforce, creates an ideal foundation for cooperation in the fourth industrial revolution,” Mashatile said at the fifth Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF), with Anadolu serving as its global communications partner.

He said South Africa and Türkiye are “natural partners,” and the two countries are "strong industrial players” in Africa with diverse economies and entrepreneurial energy.

Mashatile said a new Memorandum of Understanding signed during the inaugural South Africa-Türkiye Binational Commission in Ankara aims to strengthen South Africa’s special economic zones, boost investment and expand export pipelines.

“Our Energy Action Plan continues to attract investment in renewable energy, battery storage and green hydrogen. All of these areas offer immense opportunities for Turkish collaboration and core manufacturing,” he said.

South Africa’s partnership with Türkiye is “not only economic, but also developmental, empowering our people, strengthening our industries and contributing to a shared future of prosperity and justice,” he said.

Mashatile said South Africa is simplifying regulations, boosting industrial incentives and expanding special economic zones to address trade barriers and unlock the partnership’s potential, noting that the African Continental Free Trade Area offers Turkish investors access to a 1.4 billion-person market.

“By investing in South Africa, you can gain a foothold, not just in our country, but across the entire African continent. The opportunities are vast, from renewable energy and automotive manufacturers to defense, agriculture, infrastructure, pharmaceutical, but also digital innovation,” he noted.

He urged Turkish firms to partner with South African companies to localize production, invest in sectors such as automotive, health care, defense and agro-processing, and bring expertise to boost industrial capacity and innovation across the continent.

Mashatile said South African defense companies will join the Konya Defense Industry Fair in November to showcase their capabilities and explore integration into Turkish supply chains.

“Together, South Africa and Türkiye can advance a new development compact, one that is green, digital, and inclusive, uplifting our people and strengthening the bonds of our shared humanity,” he added.