Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Aubyn Hill says Jamaica and the Republic of South Africa must prosper together

August 7, 2026

Jamaica and the Republic of South Africa must trade, invest, learn, innovate and prosper together.

The statement was made by Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Aubyn Hill, who was speaking at a luncheon held as part of the official visit of South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, on Wednesday.

Mr. Hill said Jamaica has built strong institutions and an attractive investment environment that provides a solid foundation for deeper cooperation with South Africa.

He pointed to Jamaica’s prime geographic location which offers a stable political system, and a stable currency backed by historically high Net International Reserves (NIR).

Mr. Hill said investors from South Africa and around the world will appreciate Jamaica’s efforts to reduce crime, adding that the island’s murder rate has fallen by 67% to the end of 2025, and down over 20% so far this year.

He said this, and other things, make Jamaica a very attractive investment destination.

Mr. Hill further invited South Africa to work alongside Jamaica in advancing shared prosperity.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HILL-INVEST-1.mp3

Meanwhile, Mr. Botes said Jamaican businesses that invest in South Africa’s manufacturing sector can gain access to a regional market of approximately 250 million people through the Southern African Customs Union, with significant customs duty exemptions.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/INVEST-SOUTH-AFRICA-2.mp3