Johannesburg, South Africa — African businesses are making significant strides in diversifying global trade and strengthening commercial ties with China, as evidenced by the recently concluded 2025 China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE). A robust delegation of 48 export-ready entrepreneurs and enterprises from 10 African nations showcased their high-quality products and engaged directly with Chinese buyers and investors, a mission spearheaded by Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking.
The fourth edition of CAETE, a biennial event launched in 2019, attracted over 12,000 delegates and more than 2,800 participating organizations. This reaffirmed its status as China’s premier Africa-focused trade platform, co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Hunan Provincial Government, with the aim of deepening trade and economic cooperation between the two regions.
“The 2023 edition of CAETE generated over US$10.3 billion in confirmed deals, proving just how commercially impactful this platform can be for African exporters,” stated Bill Blackie, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group. “This is testament to how Standard Bank is not just enabling trade but also helping businesses across sectors unlock their potential and thrive.”
Standard Bank’s commitment to fostering African economic growth was a key theme. “Standard Bank is committed to turning possibilities into opportunities, and opportunities into growth, for the vibrant businesses that power Africa’s economy,” Blackie added. “We are deliberate about building capacity, opening access, and removing friction so that Africa’s businesses can scale and win.”
Strategic Partnerships Fueling African Exports
A pivotal element in this success is Standard Bank’s 17-year strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and the Hunan Provincial Government. This collaboration continues to be instrumental in facilitating African exporters’ access to the vast Chinese market.
Mr Li Li, Chief Representative Officer of ICBC Africa Representative Office, underscored the growing demand for African goods. “As China’s largest commercial bank, our collaboration with Standard Bank continues to unlock sustainable trade opportunities for African enterprises,” he said. “Demand for Africa’s premium products continues to grow in China, and we are proud to support this enduring partnership.”
Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking division facilitated the participation of companies from across South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, Botswana, and Malawi. The diverse range of products showcased included:
- Agriculture: citrus, avocado, maize, pulses, spices
- Beverages: wine, craft gin, fruit juices, rooibos iced tea, non-alcoholic blends
- Natural wellness: shea butter, essential oils, skincare oils
- Cosmetics and beauty: organic soaps, handmade creams, body care
- Processed foods: dried fruit, sauces, peanut butter, canned goods
- Handcrafted goods and lifestyle: beadwork, wooden homeware, artisan accessories
In addition, Standard Bank, through its Enterprise and Supplier Development programme and in partnership with regional and national agencies, provided export readiness support to six emerging South African farmers and producers of olive oil, citrus, non-alcoholic beverages, and wine, sponsoring their showcase at CAETE 2025.
Comprehensive Support for International Trade
To ensure the success of these exporters, Standard Bank provided a comprehensive suite of services. These included trade finance, foreign exchange, cross-border payments, logistics support, product registration, and compliance and documentation assistance. These services were specifically tailored to help SMEs navigate the complexities of international trade, from liquidity and foreign exchange to settlement. Exporters also benefited from business-to-business matchmaking facilitated by ICBC, with support from Mandarin-speaking facilitators and sector specialists.
A significant boost to African exporters came with China’s announcement of zero import duties on goods exported by the 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with China. “This is extremely significant,” Blackie noted. “It reflects the precision and forward-thinking nature of how China implements trade policy. The fact that it was announced on the eve of CAETE underscores the strategic alignment between trade diplomacy and real economic opportunity.”
Fostering Bilateral Economic Exchange
The Standard Bank trade mission also included the South Africa–China Business Forum, co-hosted by Brand South Africa, ICBC Guangdong, Wesgro, and the South African Consulate-General.
Tshepiso Malele, Country Head of China at Brand South Africa, highlighted the impact of public and private sector collaboration. “The collaboration between private and public sector stakeholders enabled ‘Team South Africa’ to make a tangible impact in the Chinese market,” Malele stated. “When our nation brand value proposition is well understood in the market, there is a much greater propensity for businesses, brands and goods that are closely associated with the country to enjoy acceptance.”
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, emphasized China’s growing importance as a trading partner for the Western Cape. “In 2024, total exports from the Western Cape to China reached R11.76 billion, reaffirming China’s position as one of our most important export markets,” Stander said. “As we pursue our bold objective of tripling exports by 2035, deepening our engagement with China will be essential to unlocking new trade opportunities.”
The success of CAETE 2025 reinforces the critical role of long-standing partnerships, institutional support, and sustained market engagement in unlocking new trade and investment opportunities. For African exporters, the platform remains a crucial gateway to one of the world’s largest consumer markets, strengthening economic ties vital for inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent. With the backing of key partners like Standard Bank, African businesses are not only gaining access to global markets but are also positioned to scale and drive growth through tailored financial solutions and strategic market entry support.
