KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia plans to expand trade ties with Africa through an eight-day training programme for African trade officials, as bilateral trade reached RM65.11 billion in 2025.
From January to August 2026, trade reached RM46.05 billion, with exports amounting to RM21.74 billion.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) reported strong export growth in several emerging markets, including South Africa, which rose 43.4 per cent, Angola, up 215.4 per cent, and Tanzania, up 50.2 per cent.
To support growth, Matrade is hosting the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) 2026 on Trade Promotion for African Countries from Oct 12 to 19, marking its 10th involvement as a training institution since 2013.
The programme brings together 10 participants from Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania, alongside two observers from the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa's Development.
Organised through cooperation between Matrade, the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme under the Foreign Affairs ministry and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the initiative aims to strengthen trade promotion capabilities and encourage knowledge sharing among developing countries.
The programme features a seminar titled "Unlocking Africa's Emerging Markets, Trends and Opportunities", as well as briefings, knowledge-sharing sessions and industry visits.
Participants will gain exposure to Malaysia's palm oil, health and wellness, building materials and construction sectors while engaging with local industry players.
Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the programme supports Malaysia's efforts to strengthen engagement with Africa and diversify export markets.
"Through a seamless participant experience, engaging sessions and strategic networking opportunities, TCTP will serve as a platform for valuable knowledge sharing, collaboration and the forging of lasting partnerships," he added.
Malaysia's trade with Africa totalled RM65.11 billion in 2025, comprising RM34.05 billion in exports. Major exports included palm oil and palm oil-based products, processed food, and electrical and electronic products, as well as machinery, equipment, and parts.
Engagement with African markets has extended to Matrade's Malaysia International Halal Showcase, which recently concluded with participation from 10 African countries: Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Tanzania.
Through TCTP 2026, Matrade aims to strengthen institutional links and deepen economic and commercial cooperation between Malaysia and African countries, while expanding opportunities for Malaysian products and services in international markets.
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