On October 27, 2026, a joint meeting of the Russia-South Africa business councils was held in Moscow, bringing together representatives of government agencies and the business community of the two countries to discuss prospects for expanding mutual trade and deepening investment interaction. The focus is on the prospects for cooperation in the energy, transportation, industrial and high-tech industries. The participants in the event emphasized the importance of utilizing the potential of high-level political dialogue and diplomatic channels to eliminate trade barriers, develop business relations and promote joint projects. Russian Ambassador to South Africa R.E. Ambrov emphasized that the conclusion of a free trade agreement in the future will present opportunities that go far beyond the reduction of tariffs. Such an agreement will contribute to the creation of more predictable conditions for doing business, will facilitate the entry of companies into the markets of both countries and will open new opportunities for the implementation of joint projects. re. Ambrov also noted that businesses have a key role in identifying the most promising areas of cooperation and establishing work taking into account local technical standards and legal requirements. The ambassador noted the importance of direct business relations. As an example, he mentioned the participation of 11 Russian companies in the "Made in Russia" business mission organized by the Russian Export Center as part of the African Energy Week (held in Cape Town on October 12-16, 2026. The meeting participants also discussed specific steps to overcome financial and logistical barriers. In particular, they discussed the use of national currencies and digital financial assets for mutual settlements, which would reduce costs and mitigate the consequences of sanctions restrictions.

On October 27, 2026, a joint meeting of the Russia-South Africa business councils was held in Moscow, bringing together representatives of government agencies and the business community of the two countries to discuss prospects for expanding mutual trade and deepening investment interaction. The focus is on the prospects for cooperation in the energy, transportation, industrial and high-tech industries. The participants in the event emphasized the importance of utilizing the potential of high-level political dialogue and diplomatic channels to eliminate trade barriers, develop business relations and promote joint projects. Russian Ambassador to South Africa R.E. Ambrov emphasized that the conclusion of a free trade agreement in the future will present opportunities that go far beyond the reduction of tariffs. Such an agreement will contribute to the creation of more predictable conditions for doing business, will facilitate the entry of companies into the markets of both countries and will open new opportunities for the implementation of joint projects. re. Ambrov also noted that businesses have a key role in identifying the most promising areas of cooperation and establishing work taking into account local technical standards and legal requirements. The ambassador noted the importance of direct business relations. As an example, he mentioned the participation of 11 Russian companies in the "Made in Russia" business mission organized by the Russian Export Center as part of the African Energy Week (held in Cape Town on October 12-16, 2026. The meeting participants also discussed specific steps to overcome financial and logistical barriers. In particular, they discussed the use of national currencies and digital financial assets for mutual settlements, which would reduce costs and mitigate the consequences of sanctions restrictions.