Prime Minister to announce major trade deals during visit to South Africa for G20 summit
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to unveil more than £400m in export agreements as he arrives in South Africa ahead of the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
The visit comes as the UK seeks to expand access to fast-growing global markets, with the government saying the deals will support jobs in sectors including rail, aviation and defence.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister will meet several Indo-Pacific and African leaders during the summit as part of efforts to secure new commercial opportunities for British firms.
During a visit to a train depot in Johannesburg on Friday, Sir Keir is expected to announce a new agreement under which UK-owned Crossrail International will advise South Africa on reforms to its rail system. The strategic partnership will focus on attracting private investment and improving passenger and freight services, while creating openings for British companies operating in the sector.
The UK and Vietnam have also agreed a new partnership aimed at digitally modernising Vietnam’s rail network. The initiative will draw on British engineering and consulting expertise, building on existing links between UK firms and rail authorities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
British Steel has confirmed a further £35m supply of rail products to Türkiye’s high-speed rail network, in addition to a similar contract announced last year. Lisa Coulson, the firm’s chief commercial officer, said the deal would support jobs in Scunthorpe and contribute to sustainable transport development overseas.
In the aviation sector, Rolls-Royce is set to provide UK-made jet engines for 10 Air Algerie aircraft under a contract valued at £370m. The engines will be manufactured and serviced in Derby, where the company employs around 14,500 people.
The UK is also due to begin work with the South African Navy after securing an initial submarine maintenance contract. The agreement, involving defence firm Babcock, includes assessing the readiness of Type 209 submarines and undertaking deep maintenance on at least one vessel.
Separately, the UK and South Africa will sign a new Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement, designed to reduce trade friction by simplifying customs processes for accredited businesses. Officials estimate the agreement could generate between £400m and £700m in additional UK export opportunities over five years.
Trade between the two countries is currently valued at nearly £12bn a year. The new arrangement will cover almost 600 UK businesses and 99 accredited South African exporters.
The government also announced expanded financial cooperation, including the launch of a Lloyd’s insurance syndicate in Johannesburg — the first to establish underwriting capacity outside the UK. New partnerships with Anglo American, Telkom and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange are also planned, aimed at promoting investment and economic inclusion.
Further announcements include £50m worth of education-sector exports to Brazil by UK company Pearson, involving English language training, digital services and higher-education partnerships.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Sir Keir said he was committed to creating new opportunities for British businesses and supporting skilled jobs across the UK.
