South Africa unveils 'Butterfly Strategy', a multi-market export drive amid rising protectionism

DEPUTY Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, has unveiled a new export diversification approach — dubbed the Butterfly Strategy — positioning South Africa to spread its trade wings across multiple global markets amid rising protectionism and shifting economic power.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

Speaking at the South African Export Symposium and Expo on Tuesday, Godlimpi said the strategy was designed to help the country move beyond its over-reliance on a handful of traditional markets and commodities, creating a more balanced, resilient export base.

"Our export basket remains too concentrated on a handful of markets and too dependent on raw materials rather than value-added products," Godlimpi said.

"Like a butterfly that pollinates multiple flowers, South Africa must establish trade flows across every continent. Our economic resilience depends on our ability to diversify, to connect, and to adapt."

Godlimpi said the initiative comes at a critical juncture following the United States’ recent 30% tariff hike on key South African exports — a move he warned could threaten up to 30 000 local jobs.

The Butterfly Strategy, Godlimpi said, was a direct response to such global shocks. At the heart of the strategy is Africa itself.