Derby got a mention on the global stage on 21 November 2025, when the Prime Minister met President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg and highlighted trains and components built in the city that are already in use across South Africa. The message from No10 was clear: this partnership is about real work and real kit.

Downing Street also pointed to the symbolism of Africa’s first G20 being hosted by South Africa, praising the President’s leadership and stressing plans to grow trade and investment between the two countries. The Derby rail reference was offered as a concrete example of that intent.

Derby’s rail ties with South Africa run deep. The Gautrain rapid‑rail project linking Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International included 15 cars manufactured and assembled in Derby, with the remaining 81 assembled in Nigel using components shipped from England. The first train was formally handed over in Derby in July 2008.

Trade matters here at home. South Africa is Britain’s largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade last year around 133bn rand, according to Reuters. UK exports to South Africa totalled about £4.9bn in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2025, ONS figures show.

Local industry leaders say the region is ready. “fundamentally people are making great products here in the East Midlands,” said Mark Goldby, chair of the East Midlands Manufacturing Network. And as the Chamber’s Diane Beresford put it, “we’re delighted to offer vital support to East Midlands businesses wishing to trade overseas,” through its Export Accelerator.

The Litchurch Lane works in Derby remains a strategic asset. Alstom notes it is the UK’s only factory that can design, engineer, build and test a train end‑to‑end, supporting high‑value jobs and a nationwide supply chain. That’s why even a brief nod from the PM matters.

There has been jeopardy. In early 2024 Alstom warned it could mothball the Derby site amid HS2 delays. Since then, additional work - including new Elizabeth line trains - has been confirmed, but a steadier pipeline, including exports, helps avoid stop‑start production.

Logistics matter too. East Midlands Airport - the UK’s largest dedicated cargo airport - gives regional exporters a fast route to global markets, a practical advantage when shipping time‑sensitive components.

For firms eyeing South Africa, the government’s market guide lists it as the UK’s 30th‑largest export destination with strong demand in cars, pharmaceuticals, refined oil and machinery. It’s a sophisticated market with familiar standards and routes to wider African trade.

The Downing Street readout also touched on wider diplomacy: backing a just peace in Ukraine and urging a humanitarian truce in Sudan, with both leaders calling for international unity on a lasting ceasefire. Trade still featured prominently alongside those priorities.

The two leaders meet again at the G20 today, 22 November. We’ll be watching for tangible steps that help Midlands manufacturers - from procurement to export finance. In the meantime, firms can tap the Chamber’s Export Accelerator and check the Department for Business and Trade’s latest South Africa factsheets.