Steenhuisen says SA seeks bigger role in Africa’s shipbuilding industry

By Thapelo Molefe

South Africa wants to position itself as a shipbuilding partner to the rest of Africa, following exports of more than R5.7 billion worth of ships in 2025, Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister John Steenhuisen has said.

Steenhuisen said the country had established shipbuilding capabilities, including the manufacture of yachts, tugs and patrol vessels, which could be expanded through partnerships with other African countries.

Addressing the BlueInvest Africa South Africa 2026 Conference in Cape Town on Monday, he said the value of ship exports had increased from R2.5 billion in 2016 to more than R5.7 billion last year.

“We see ourselves as a shipbuilding partner to the rest of the continent for both the civilian and defence sectors,” he said.

Steenhuisen called for increased investment and stronger partnerships to develop Africa’s blue economy, which contributes an estimated €350 billion to the continent’s economy.

He said the sector