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Tau says some African states demand more for market access

Published

Empty conference hall with rows of wooden chairs facing a bare stage and mountains beyond the windows.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says trade friction with partners on the continent is hurting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He spoke at the 8th annual Kgalema Motlanthe Drakensberg Forum in KwaZulu-Natal.

Tau said unresolved disagreements remain a major concern for regional trade integration. He added that regional integration has still shown progress. Reports said South Africa is in trade disputes with Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria and Mozambique.

Tau said Pretoria takes a constructive, solution-driven approach to resolve the impasses. He said South Africa will also protect its national interests.

Tau said some countries want South Africa to invest in them, not only export to them. In his words: "We’d want to see South Africa as an investor in our countries and not just as an exporter into those countries."

Key facts

Who
Parks Tau (Trade, Industry and Competition Minister); Kgalema Motlanthe (Namesake of the Kgalema Motlanthe Drakensberg Forum (8th annual edition))
When
1 November 2026
Where
KwaZulu-Natal, Botswana, Kenya
Status
Reported

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