Ireland and South Africa Relations: A Deep Dive into Bilateral Cooperation

Nov 06, 2025 0

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Ireland are historic and cordial.

This year, 2023, marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa-Ireland diplomatic relations.

A historically significant relationship, rooted in mutual respect and common values, binds the two countries.

The essence of our ties is, I suggest, epitomised in a shared commitment to freedom and justice.

The political ties between Ireland and South Africa have strengthened significantly since the end of apartheid.

Read also: Ireland - Nigeria: Details

Ireland stood firmly against racist policies and supported the global anti-apartheid movement, establishing a connection based on the shared goals of freedom and equality.

That support has a significant place among the foundation stories of the vibrant friendship which exists between Ireland and South Africa today.

This 'special relationship,' as described by President Michael D. Higgins, “began with the brave efforts of principled opponents of racism, and evolved to become an agreed position by both Government and opposition".

We remember with gratitude and humility the support that the Irish people gave to our struggle for democracy and freedom.

The struggles of our respective peoples for statehood have rendered us kin.

There were so many who helped the Irish Movement when it really mattered. I recall the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin Castle, chaired by Justice Catherine McGuinness S.C.

Alongside President Martti Ahtisaari of Finland, I was honoured to have played a small part in the decommissioning process in Northern Ireland. I have always held the greatest admiration for the Irish people; for their resilience, for their unwavering courage and for the principled solidarity.

Key Diplomatic Events

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host the Irish Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste), Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Mr Micheál Martin, for a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, 18 July 2023.

The last meeting of the JCC was held in South Africa in February 2022.

On Wednesday, 08 October 2025, the President will hold official talks in Ireland with Irish President Michael D.

This official visit will consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investment.

The leaders will also discuss global and regional geopolitics as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The visit to Brussels follows a recent meeting between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen on the margins of UNGA80 in New York, as well as the successful 8th South Africa-EU Summit in March 2025.

This summit took place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the EU.

Sabina and I recall the wonderful opportunity it was to pay an official visit to the Republic of South Africa in 2014.

Economic Relations

Bilateral relations between the two countries are conducted within the framework of the South Africa-Ireland Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), which was established in 2017.

South Africa is the leading import and export partner for Ireland on the African continent.

In 2021, Ireland ranked as the 11th supplier to the South African market and 11th export destination for South African products to the European Union (EU).

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Ireland grew by 12% to $638 million in 2024 from $567 million in 2023.

South Africa increased its exports to Ireland by 40.4%, from $119 million in 2023 to $168 million in 2024.

Economic links between Ireland and South Africa are strong and growing.

Irish companies have found success in South Africa, contributing to various sectors such as finance, technology, construction, and food.

Similarly, South African businesses are expanding into Ireland, helping to diversify the Irish economy and create employment opportunities.

Innovative programs like the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa showcase this collaboration, offering a platform for South African tech entrepreneurs to grow their start-ups.

According to the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria, South Africa imported approximately 46 million Euros of Irish whiskey last year.

Trade Statistics

In 2022, primary products accounted for approximately 48% of total exports from South Africa to Ireland in 2022. The primary products include coal (18.7%), fruits (18%) and other (11.3%). The value-added products accounted for approximately 30.4% and represented by motor vehicles and tools.

In 2022, the top imports from Ireland to South Africa accounted for approximately 73.4% share of total imports.

Cultural and Educational Connections

The connections and cultural exchanges between Ireland and South Africa have greatly enriched both nations, highlighting the unique aspects of our respective heritages.

South African art, music, and storytelling have found a welcoming audience in Ireland, while South Africans have embraced Irish literature, music, and dance.

Various festivals, exhibitions, and academic collaborations are flourishing, such as the Charlotte Maxeke-Mary Robinson Studies Chair, a joint effort between the University of Western Cape and Trinity College Dublin.

Various festivals, exhibitions, and academic collaborations such as the Maxeke-Robinson Studies Chair, a joint effort between the University of Western Cape and Trinity College Dublin, have further strengthened this cultural bond, promoting deeper understanding and appreciation between the people of our two countries.

Education plays a vital role in the Ireland-South Africa relationship.

The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is a strong example of Ireland’s dedication to empowering the next generation of South Africans with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in the modern world.

Ireland vs South Africa:Contrasts and similarities

Sporting Rivalry and Unity

Sports, particularly rugby, have always been a unifying factor, with the fierce but friendly rivalry between Ireland and South Africa exemplifying this spirit.

Matches between our national teams are highly anticipated, displaying the best of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Historical Context

There is a historical and current bilateral relationship between Ireland and South Africa.

The opening of bilateral relations was strongly considered by both governments in the 1930s and 1940s, following a successful state visit by South African prime minister General J. B. M. Hertzog to Dublin in 1930.

At that time, connections between the two "restless dominions" were particularly cordial, based also on an earlier Irish nationalist identification with the Boer cause during the South African War of 1899-1902, but cost concerns prevented an exchange of high commissioners.

Nevertheless, there were regular private visits by South Africa's London-based high commissioners, most notably Charles te Water in the 1930s, and Dr A. L. Geyer, who was a guest of Taoiseach Éamon de Valera in 1952.

While purely financial considerations had prevented the mutual exchange of ambassadors, by the 1960s a principled stand against apartheid came to prevent such an upgrading of relations.

As a result, Ireland was the only EU country that did not have full diplomatic relations with South Africa until 1993.

An exchange of ambassadors was agreed with the De Klerk administration in anticipation of the ending of apartheid, despite vociferous protests from the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement, led by Kader and Louise Asmal, which regarded such relations as premature.