Core Viewpoint - South Africa is actively encouraging local steel manufacturing and aims to attract Chinese companies with advanced technology to invest in steel production projects within the country [1][3]. Group 1: South Africa's Industrial Strategy - Since 2019, South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has launched comprehensive plans across various sectors, including automotive, textiles, and steel, to enhance manufacturing capacity, boost exports, create jobs, and promote localization [2]. - The strategic focus is on targeted policy interventions and multi-party cooperation to enhance industrial resilience, transitioning the economy from mere resource exports and assembly to a higher value-added manufacturing system [2][4]. - The "South African Automotive Masterplan 2035" sets a localization target of 60% and aims to double employment in the automotive value chain by 2035, increasing vehicle production to capture 1% of the global market share [2][4]. Group 2: Renewable Energy Initiatives - South Africa is advancing the "Renewable Energy Master Plan" and "Independent Power Producer Procurement Program" to promote local manufacturing in the solar, wind, and energy storage sectors [2][5]. - The goal is to enable South Africa to not only export raw materials but also to complete higher value-added production locally [2][5]. Group 3: Collaboration with China - China is viewed as a crucial partner in South Africa's systematic re-industrialization strategy, particularly in steel and renewable energy sectors [3][6]. - As of September 2025, China is South Africa's largest source of imports, accounting for approximately 22.8% of total imports, and the largest destination for exports, making up about 11.6% of total exports [3]. - South Africa encourages local steel manufacturing and seeks to attract Chinese companies with advanced technology to invest in local steel production [6].