As Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Johannesburg for the G20 summit, Canada and South Africa are deepening discussions on a new strategic deal that could reshape bilateral trade — one that South Africa’s high commissioner playfully calls a “gas-for-wine” agreement.
South African High Commissioner Rieaz Shaik told The Canadian Press that both countries are exploring a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement that would strengthen private-sector partnerships across five key sectors: agribusiness, infrastructure, mining, energy and advanced technologies. Unlike a traditional trade deal focused mainly on goods, this agreement would emphasize investment flows and business-to-business engagement.
Shaik said one goal is to see more premium South African wines featured at Canadian liquor boards, supported by a new marketing campaign aimed at replacing the steady stream of lower-quality bulk wine exports. In return, South Africa is expressing interest in buying Canadian liquefied natural gas — provided Canada develops sufficient export infrastructure.
A major sticking point in negotiations is establishing a “mutually acceptable” dispute-resolution mechanism, critical for investor confidence across such diversified sectors.
Talks are also expanding into food resilience, with senior South African officials preparing to visit Saskatchewan — a province Shaik described as “light-years ahead” in developing seed products for growing global markets, especially the rising demand for non-meat proteins. South Africa is also eager to learn from Canada’s cold-chain systems to reduce food spoilage.
The high commissioner said Canada’s Export Development Canada and FinDev agencies could play pivotal roles in helping Canadian companies capitalize on major infrastructure projects underway in South Africa. The ongoing Anglo American–Teck merger, creating the Vancouver-based critical minerals giant Anglo Teck, is expected to be transformative for copper exports and mining collaboration between both nations. South Africa’s expertise in deep mining could also prove especially valuable in Canada.
Beyond resources, both countries see potential in cutting-edge sectors like advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and nuclear technology.
Carney and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa may discuss the emerging framework as early as Friday during the G20 summit. Federal officials, speaking on background, said the government is intent on building stronger diplomatic and commercial ties with South Africa — ties rooted in historic solidarity.
For many South Africans, Canada remains warmly remembered for its leading role in the global anti-apartheid movement, from union activism to government advocacy. Shaik described the relationship as familial, with deep goodwill but unrealized potential.
He noted that both countries share a similar challenge: over-dependence on the U.S. market. South Africa’s push to build a continent-wide free-trade area mirrors Canada’s long struggle to dismantle internal trade barriers.
“Our own industries became far too dependent on easy trade,” Shaik said. “It didn’t seek innovation or productivity. Now we’re fascinated by Canada because we see the similarities.”
As Carney arrives in Johannesburg, the momentum is growing — and both sides appear eager to turn shared history and economic alignment into a modern, dynamic partnership.