Vietnam-Africa Cooperation Boosted by National Assembly Chairman’s Visit

Vietnam Strengthens Ties in Africa: A New Era of South-South Cooperation

The recent African tour by Chairman of the national Assembly, Mr. Tran Thanh Man, has been met with significant positive coverage in the Algerian and Moroccan press. This high-level visit underscores Vietnam’s commitment to deepening its partnerships across the African continent,fostering a new wave of South-south cooperation focused on shared development and mutual understanding.

A striking example of the burgeoning cultural exchange highlighted by Algerian media is the flourishing of Vovinam, the traditional Vietnamese martial art, in Senegal. With over 3,000 practitioners,Senegal reportedly boasts the second-largest Vovinam community in Africa. This vibrant cultural connection is viewed as a powerful testament to people-to-people diplomacy, building bridges of understanding and laying a robust social foundation for broader bilateral cooperation.

Algerian press analysis further connects Chairman Man’s trip to Vietnam’s expanding engagement with ASEAN and its admission to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). This is seen as part of a larger, proactive movement by developing nations to network and establish more equitable global development frameworks. Vietnam, recognized as a dynamic and responsible emerging economy, is solidifying its role as a dependable partner and an effective conduit between Asia and Africa.

The overarching objective of the visit is to invigorate cooperation between Vietnam and African nations, making it more intensive, substantive, and complete. The tour aims to set new benchmarks for parliamentary collaboration, drive economic and trade exchanges, and enhance cultural and social ties. Ultimately, this enhanced interpersonal exchange is rooted in shared values of peace, development, and prosperity.

In Morocco, where Chairman Man met with prime Minister Aziz akhannouch from July 24th to 27th, the media also reported favorably on the official visit. This engagement was recognized as a crucial step in strengthening the multifaceted friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Kingdom of Morocco. The visit signals a promising trajectory for enhanced collaboration and mutual growth.

How might the 20% increase target for Vietnam-Africa trade over the next three years be achieved, considering logistical challenges?

Strengthening Bilateral Ties: A Landmark Visit

The recent visit by Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to several African nations – including Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa – marks a significant step in bolstering Vietnam-Africa cooperation. This diplomatic push, concluding on July 24th, 2025, signals a renewed commitment to strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties between Vietnam and the African continent. The trip focused on identifying new avenues for trade and investment, fostering parliamentary collaboration, and addressing shared global challenges.

Key Outcomes and Agreements

The Chairman’s visit resulted in several key agreements and commitments, demonstrating a tangible strengthening of Vietnam’s Africa policy. These include:

Increased Trade Volume: Discussions centered on expanding bilateral trade, with a particular focus on Vietnamese exports of agricultural products (rice, coffee, cashew nuts) and manufactured goods to African markets. Both sides expressed a desire to move beyond raw material exchange towards value-added trade. Targets for a 20% increase in Vietnam-Africa trade over the next three years were discussed.

Investment Opportunities: Vietnamese businesses were encouraged to explore investment opportunities in Africa’s burgeoning sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure growth, and digital technology. Specific interest was shown in investment in Africa related to agricultural processing and manufacturing.

parliamentary Cooperation: Agreements were reached to enhance parliamentary exchanges and collaboration on legislative matters. This includes sharing best practices in areas such as economic development, environmental protection, and good governance. The aim is to foster a stronger understanding of each other’s political systems and challenges.

Educational and Cultural Exchange: Expanding educational and cultural exchange programs was highlighted as a crucial component of people-to-people diplomacy. This includes scholarships for African students to study in Vietnam and promoting Vietnamese language and culture in Africa.

Visa Facilitation: Streamlining visa procedures for business travelers and tourists was discussed to facilitate greater movement of people and promote economic ties.

Focus on Specific nations: Zimbabwe,Namibia & South Africa

Each nation presented unique opportunities and challenges for Vietnam’s engagement with Africa:

Zimbabwe

In zimbabwe,discussions focused on agricultural cooperation,notably in rice and maize production. Vietnam’s experience in agricultural development was seen as valuable for Zimbabwe’s efforts to enhance food security. Potential for Vietnamese investment in Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector was a key topic.

Namibia

Namibia’s rich mineral resources attracted Vietnamese interest in potential joint ventures in the mining and processing industries. discussions also covered cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture. The development of lasting fisheries in Namibia with Vietnamese expertise was explored.

South Africa

South Africa,as a regional economic powerhouse,was a key partner for Vietnam. The visit focused on strengthening economic ties, promoting trade, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in the automotive and renewable energy sectors. South Africa’s role as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was also emphasized. vietnam-South Africa trade relations are expected to see significant growth.

Benefits of Enhanced Cooperation

The strengthened Vietnam-Africa partnership offers numerous benefits for both sides:

Economic growth: Increased trade and investment will stimulate economic growth in both vietnam and African nations.

Diversification of Markets: Expanding into new markets will reduce reliance on traditional trading partners and enhance economic resilience.

Technology Transfer: Collaboration in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, and digital technology will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise.

Political Influence: Strengthened diplomatic ties will enhance Vietnam’s and Africa’s political influence on the global stage.

South-South Cooperation: This partnership exemplifies successful South-South cooperation, fostering mutual development and shared prosperity.

Addressing Challenges to Vietnam-africa Relations

Despite the positive momentum,several challenges need to be addressed to ensure the long-term success of Vietnam’s Africa strategy:

Infrastructure Deficiencies: Limited infrastructure in some African countries can hinder trade and investment.

Political Instability: Political instability in certain regions poses risks to investors.

Logistical Hurdles: Transportation costs and logistical challenges can make it difficult to trade with Africa.

Information Asymmetry: A lack of information about business opportunities and regulatory environments can deter investment.

* Competition from Other Investors: Vietnam faces competition from other countries seeking to expand their economic presence in Africa, including China, India, and the EU.

practical Tips for Vietnamese Businesses Expanding into Africa

Vietnamese companies looking to capitalize on the growing opportunities in Africa should consider the following:

1. Conduct Thorough Market Research: understand the specific needs and opportunities in each target market.
2. Develop Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses to navigate regulatory hurdles and gain access to local knowledge.
3. Secure Political Risk Insurance: Mitigate the risks associated with political instability.
4. Invest in Logistics and Infrastructure: Address logistical challenges