Malaysia urged to boost ties with Africa amid U.S.-China tensions

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should strengthen its ties with Africa to diversify markets and supply chains as competition between the United States and China intensifies, the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce - Southern Africa (MYCHAM) said.

Its CEO, Salim Abu Haniffa, told AWANI International that the growing rivalry between the world’s two largest economies underscores the need for Malaysia to reduce its exposure to external economic shocks.

"In Malaysia's interest, it is optimal to look at Africa as a provision of diversified markets, resources, and new supply chains that will help Malaysia reduce exposure to geopolitical shocks.

"It is also, in terms of South-South cooperation and our ambitions around BRICS, shows Malaysia's intent to deepen cooperation on the shared agenda around fairer trade rules, development financing, and inclusive global governance."

Salim said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s participation in South Africa’s recent G20 meetings is an indication of Malaysia’s strategy to widen partnerships beyond areas dominated by U.S.–China competition.

Anwar concluded a three-nation tour covering Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya, starting with an official visit to Addis Ababa before attending a working visit and the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.

During the trip, Malaysia and Kenya agreed to remove tariffs on agricultural produce and beef, a move Kenyan officials described as a key step to strengthen bilateral trade.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali stronger South-South cooperation is expected following Anwar’s engagements in Addis Ababa which focused on deeper economic links and wider regional collaboration.

Salim also said South Africa gives Malaysian companies a natural entry point into Africa, with its well-developed logistics, finance, retail, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors.

He added that the country’s role in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement gives Malaysia access to roughly 1.3 billion consumers across the continent.

Anwar last Friday said Malaysia could act as a strategic gateway, connecting South Africa’s industrial capabilities to Asian markets, technology, and regional value chains through long-term collaboration.

South Africa, he said, remains Malaysia’s principal partner in Africa and a key collaborator in efforts to shape a more inclusive and balanced global economic future.