Bilateral Relations

 Mexico and South Africa established diplomatic relations in October 1993. Today both countries pursue democratic and progressive agendas focusing on inclusive socio-economic development and the value of diversity. Both acknowledge the importance of bilateral, regional and international cooperation to achieve the development goals of eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities and unemployment, as guided by their shared commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, both countries value cooperation and the exchange of best practices in fighting corruption, strengthening the rule of law, enhancing equality, and protecting and promoting human rights.

Political Dialogue

Bilateral relations are anchored by the Political Consultations Mechanism (established in 2001) and the Binational Commission (established in 2009). The latest meeting of the Bi-national Commission was held in October 2014 in Pretoria. One of the highlights of the Bi-national Commission is the Action Plan Mexico-South Africa- “Towards a Priority Relationship 2014-2016”.

In August 2019, both countries held political consultations at deputy ministers’ level and agreed to deepen their bilateral political, economic and social relations for mutual benefit of their peoples.

The foreign Ministers of Mexico and South Africa have held fruitful bilateral meetings in the margins of G20 in 2021 and in 2022.

Economic Relationship

South Africa is Mexico’s largest trade partner in Africa and 44th worldwide. Total trade between Mexico and South Africa was USD 860 million in 2021. That year Mexico exported USD 228 million to South Africa and imported USD 632 million from South Africa, resulting in a trade deficit for Mexico of USD 404 million.

Mexican exports in 2021 included mainly processors for mobile devices, wheel tractors, tequila, memory cards, electronic devices and auto parts. While imports from South Africa included minerals (mainly aluminum), vegetable seeds for sowing, and ferrotitanium slags.  The main destinations of South African imports in 2021 were: CDMX, San Luis Potosi, and Guanajuato.

According to the Mexican Ministry of Economy, South Africa's FDI in Mexico (stock) was USD 150 million in 2021. The main South African companies present in Mexico are: Aspen (pharmaceutics), Dimension Data (ICT Industry), NASPERS (communications), SAPPI (paper industry), and Master Drilling (mining). Mexican companies Bimbo and Cosmocel (fertilizers) have operations in South Africa.

The legal framework that currently governs economic activities between the two countries includes the following:

  • Agreement between Mexico and South Africa for the Avoidance of double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (Signed in Cape Town on 19 February, 2009).
  • MOU on Tourism Cooperation Between South Africa and Mexico 2021-2024 (Signed in Mexico City on 16 January, 2014).
  • Specific Cooperation Programme for 2015-2016 pursuant to the MOU between SA and Mexico on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism (Signed in Pretoria on 17 October, 2014).

Multilateral Affairs

South Africa and Mexico are responsible global actors who are strongly committed to a rules-based international order, aligned with the United Nations principles. In this regard, both are convinced of the irreplaceable value of diplomacy and multilateralism in promoting global governance. Moreover, they actively contribute to the consensus-building processes which are essential to formulating international law and enhancing respect for the law’s provisions. Furthermore, this commitment to global governance is reflected in both nations’ regional and cross-regional efforts.

Moreover, both actively participate in United Nations bodies, namely the General Assembly and the Security Council. South Africa was elected as non-permanent UNSC member during its 2019-2020 period, whereas Mexico was elected in the same capacity for the 2021-2022 period.

In the United Nations agenda Mexico and South Africa’s shared priorities are nuclear disarmament, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, protection and promotion of human rights, international peace and security, defense of multilateralism, climate change, support for global governance, free trade and democracy, to name a few. 

G20

Mexico and South Africa are both members of the G20 in which they promote a positive agenda towards addressing global challenges, including sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth; the prevention and combat to corruption; effectively combatting illicit financial flows; promoting gender equality and women’s’ empowerment. As well as issues of special interest for the global south, including food security, tackling high inflation, access to vaccines and addressing the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic.