Saudi Arabia’s Modernization and Its Growing Ties with Africa
By Kirtan Bhana
25 September 2024
As Saudi Arabia celebrates its 94th National Day, the Kingdom finds itself at a transformative moment in its history. This commemoration is not just a reflection of its past achievements, but a glimpse into the future that Saudi Arabia envisions—one of economic diversification, global integration, and deeper diplomatic relations. A key symbol of this transformation is Neom, a megaproject designed to embody the Kingdom’s vision for a modern, forward-thinking nation. But beyond its domestic development, Saudi Arabia’s relations with Africa, particularly South Africa, demonstrate the Kingdom’s growing influence on the global stage.
At a reception in Pretoria, Mr Faisal Falah Al-Harbi, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to South Africa, spoke about the Kingdom’s remarkable journey since its unification in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. He highlighted the leadership's enduring focus on the well-being of its people, and reflected on the Kingdom’s evolution into one of the world’s top 20 economies. “On this day,” Ambassador Al-Harbi remarked, “we remember the past with pride, stand proudly on the achievements of the present, and look toward the future with optimism.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, first announced in 2016, stands as the cornerstone of this future. The initiative is reshaping the Kingdom’s economy, reducing its reliance on oil, and promoting sectors like tourism, technology, and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has already made significant strides: the unemployment rate has been halved, non-oil revenues have surged to 50%, and the country has surpassed its tourism goal of 100 million visitors. Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage, combined with its modern infrastructure, has positioned the Kingdom as a global tourism hub.
Neom, which translates to “new future,” is perhaps the most ambitious manifestation of Vision 2030. This futuristic city, being constructed in the northwestern part of the Kingdom, is designed to be a beacon of sustainability, innovation, and technological advancement. Neom represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to align with the global shift towards greener, more innovative economies, opening up a myriad of opportunities for both domestic and international investors.
While the Kingdom continues to modernize and evolve, it also maintains strong and historic ties with Africa. Saudi Arabia’s strategic location as a hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an essential player in regional and global trade. The Kingdom has a long-standing relationship with African nations, having provided over $45 billion in aid to support development and humanitarian programs across the continent. The first Saudi-Africa summit held in November 2023 reinforced Saudi Arabia’s commitment to African development, focusing on expanding trade and supporting the African Union’s accession to the G20. The Kingdom recognizes the critical role Africa plays in world affairs and is keen to enhance partnerships across the continent.
South Africa, in particular, holds a prominent place in Saudi Arabia’s foreign relations. Both nations share a deep commitment to upholding international principles of peace, security, and sovereignty. Al-Harbi commended South Africa’s stance on the Palestinian issue, lauding its defense of Palestinian rights in international forums. Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and relations with South Africa is one of the most prominent because of its great credibility in defending all just causes in the international community. Al-Harbi commended South Africa’s case of Genocide in the State of Palestine under illegal Israeli occupation. He said, “the two countries stand by each other in international forums and contribute effectively to maintain common principles in the international community, maintaining international peace and security, respecting international laws and norms, respecting sovereignty of the state, non-interference in others’ affairs and rejecting double standards.”
READ ALSO: South Africa attracts billions in Saudi investments
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and South Africa continues to grow, fuelled by high-level interactions and mutual economic interests. In 2022, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Saudi Arabia, marking a milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations. Additionally, the 9th session of the Saudi-South African Joint Commission took place in South Africa, where more than 34 Saudi government entities and a significant number of Saudi businesses participated. These exchanges are laying the groundwork for deeper economic cooperation, particularly in sectors such as energy, technology, and defence.
As Saudi Arabia embarks on its ambitious Vision 2030 journey, the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its global partnerships, especially with African nations, remains central to its strategy. Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in Africa, combined with its leadership in the Middle East, positions it as a pivotal player in shaping the future of global trade, diplomacy, and economic development.
As Saudi Arabia celebrates 94 years of unification, it stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernization. The Kingdom is not only transforming itself into a modern, prosperous nation through initiatives like Neom and Vision 2030, but it is also deepening its relationships with African nations like South Africa, solidifying its role as a global leader in diplomacy, economy, and development.