South Africa Arms Exports: Top Buyers & Global Sales

South Africa exported R110 billion in weapons contracts over the past two years, raising concerns about the potential for arms to reach conflict zones. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni addressed a parliamentary committee Friday, outlining the country’s regulations regarding arms sales and its responsibilities to avoid transactions with nations at war.

SA’s Weapons Export Markets

The Directorate of Conventional Arms Control (DCAC) issued 187 permits or authorizations for use in 2024, increasing to 197 in 2025. These permits, along with those from Denel and Rheinmetall Denel Munition, covered equipment, spares, weapons, and ammunition valued at R110 billion. Exported munitions totaled R4.6 billion over the two-year period.

Europe received the majority of South Africa’s weapons exports, accounting for 63% of all munitions and 77% of dual-use goods and technologies. The Americas received 2% of munitions and 13% of dual-use goods, while the Middle East received 12% of munitions and 5% of dual-use goods. Africa received 11% of munitions and less than 1% of dual-use goods.

‘Diplomatic Implications’

Committee members questioned the lack of specific country data in the export breakdowns. Ntshavheni confirmed the existence of lists of countries South Africa is restricted from trading with, compiled in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the State Security Agency.

She stated she would submit the lists in writing, but requested assurance that the information would remain confidential to avoid “diplomatic problems.” “There are countries that if we mention, because your meetings are open, that they will create a diplomatic problem for ourselves,” Ntshavheni said.

South Africa does not send inspectors to war zones, instead relying on United Nations reports to monitor the use of exported munitions.

Responsibility Not to Transact

Ntshavheni explained that South Africa avoids transactions with countries actively engaged in warfare and those with a history of violating export application rules. She added that purchasers are legally required to seek permission for any third-party use of the munitions.

“In terms of our requirements and the standard…if we approve and export of…munitions or weapons to your country – by law…you need to reapply to ourselves,” Ntshavheni confirmed. She stated that such applications would be denied.

Ukraine, Israel and Sudan

The committee focused on Ukraine, Israel, and Sudan, particularly regarding alleged involvement by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ntshavheni confirmed South Africa has conducted business with the UAE and companies linked to it, and is monitoring the situation in Sudan through its role in the African Union.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition, majority-owned by a German weapons manufacturer, is obligated to inform Denel of the destinations of its exports, despite Denel’s 49% share. While the German government has supplied weapons to Ukraine, Ntshavheni stated that Rheinmetall Denel had not applied for permission to export onward to Ukraine or Israel.

“Specific to Rheinmetall Denel, we have not had an application for onward exportation to countries that are in conflict,” Ntshavheni confirmed. “We have not received any applications from Rheinmetall for onward exportation to Ukraine; similarly, we have not received those applications to Israel.”