South-South Cooperation Opens New Doors for South African Youth
South-South Cooperation in a Multilateral World
A recent youth dialogue held in Pretoria has highlighted growing opportunities for young people in South Africa and across the Global South to benefit from international partnerships, skills exchange programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and educational cooperation between African countries and China.
The event, hosted under the theme “South-South Cooperation in a Multilateral World,” brought together youth leaders, diplomats, university students and policy experts to discuss how young people can actively shape the future of global cooperation.
The dialogue forms part of the broader 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, which aims to strengthen cultural, educational and economic ties between African countries and China through hundreds of planned programmes focused on youth development. Officials indicated that nearly 600 exchange programmes are expected to support skills development, innovation and international collaboration.
Why South-South Cooperation Matters for Youth
South-South cooperation refers to partnerships between developing countries aimed at promoting shared growth, trade, education, technology transfer and social development. For African youth, this cooperation is becoming increasingly important as governments and institutions seek alternatives to traditional economic models and focus on collaboration among countries facing similar development challenges.
During the Pretoria dialogue, youth representatives stressed that young people should not merely observe international affairs but should become active participants in shaping economic and social progress.
The discussions also explored opportunities in:
- Entrepreneurship and small business development
- Digital education and technology skills
- Student exchange programmes
- Innovation and research collaboration
- Green development and renewable energy
- Cultural and people-to-people exchanges
South Africa has recently intensified cooperation with China in digital education, technical skills development and student mobility, creating additional opportunities for young people interested in science, technology and innovation sectors.
Youth Say Information Remains Difficult to Access
Despite the growing number of international programmes, many young South Africans say information about such opportunities does not always reach township and rural communities.
Akhona Mkwanazi, a 31-year-old resident of Tsakane, said local youth often miss life-changing opportunities because of poor communication and limited outreach by local authorities, which is where information is sent for distribution.
“Information is not readily available for the youth to access. Local government needs to do more to bring such programmes directly to young people in townships and communities,” said Mkwanazi.
Mkwanazi added that many young people only hear about exchange programmes, scholarships or youth dialogues after application deadlines have already passed.
Opportunities Beyond Politics
Analysts say South-South cooperation is no longer limited to diplomacy and trade agreements. Increasingly, it is creating opportunities in creative industries, education, technology, manufacturing and youth entrepreneurship.
The collaboration between African institutions and Chinese organisations has already enabled South African students to travel abroad, visit universities and technology hubs, and gain exposure to modern infrastructure and innovation systems.
Experts believe these exchanges can help young Africans develop practical skills, global networks and business opportunities that can contribute to local economic growth.
How Young People Can Prepare for Future Opportunities
Youth development organisations are encouraging young people to stay informed and actively participate in local and international programmes connected to South-South cooperation.
Young people can improve their chances of participating in future programmes by:
- Following announcements from universities, embassies and youth organisations
- Joining youth leadership and entrepreneurship groups
- Monitoring scholarship and exchange programme applications
- Developing digital and communication skills
- Participating in community development initiatives
- Networking through seminars, workshops and online forums
Programmes linked to China-Africa cooperation are often promoted through universities, government departments, diplomatic missions and youth associations.
As South-South cooperation continues to expand, many observers believe the real success of these initiatives will depend on whether opportunities become accessible to ordinary young people in townships, villages and underserved communities across South Africa and the African continent