South Africa Roundup: US tariffs fallout, private sector growth, Shoprite exits Ghana

Lack of US ambassador not hindering negotiations

South African International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has stated that Pretoria's absence of an ambassador to the United States has not impeded efforts to engage Washington diplomatically, despite recent tensions. Speaking at a joint press briefing with Trade Minister Parks Tau on August 4 at the Germiston Civic Centre, Lamola addressed concerns following the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March. He reiterated that President Cyril Ramaphosa has always prioritised US relations in ambassadorial appointments, adding, "We had an ambassador in the US and that ambassador was expelled."

US tariffs prompt South Africa to prioritise Türkiye as trade partner

In response to steep 30% US tariffs set to take effect on August 8, South Africa is shifting focus to alternative markets, naming Türkiye a strategic trade partner. According to a statement cited by Anadolu Agency on August 4, the government launched a strategy to deepen bilateral ties and counter the economic impact of the tariffs. The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation described the tariffs as "incomprehensible" given South Africa’s minimal 0.25% share in US imports, warning of damage to mutual relations.

South Africa calls for recognition of Palestine at UN conference

Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has reiterated South Africa's support for a two-state solution at a high-level UN peace conference. Referring to the October 7 attacks on Israeli civilians as horrific, Lamola condemned violence while emphasising state recognition and territorial integrity for Palestine. “South Africa welcomes the intentions of recognition of the state of Palestine by France as an important step,” he said, calling for urgent international action to restore credibility to the two-state framework.

Private sector expands for third straight month in July

South Africa’s private sector continued to grow modestly in July, with the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 50.3 from 50.1 in June. The index, released on August 5, showed renewed sales and ongoing job creation driving the slight acceleration. A reading above 50 signals expansion, indicating that business conditions have remained positive for the third consecutive month.

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Shoprite exits Ghana and Malawi amid Africa operations review

Retail giant Shoprite Holdings announced on August 5 that it is exiting operations in Ghana and Malawi. The move forms part of its broader consolidation strategy to refocus on its core South African market. Once the continent’s largest food retailer with a presence in over 15 countries, Shoprite has been scaling back international operations in recent years in favour of domestic growth and profitability.