German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday began a three-day state visit to South Africa, focused on strengthening ties between the two nations.

South Africa is the only country on the continent that belongs to the G20 group of the world's leading industrial and emerging economies.

Steinmeier, who started his journey in Johannesburg and is scheduled to fly to Cape Town later on Monday, is accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation.

South Africa is Germany's most important bilateral trading partner in Africa.

On Tuesday, Steinmeier is scheduled to meet South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has made the fight against corruption and unemployment his most important tasks since coming to power in February.

Ahead of his trip, Steinmeier said that Germany and South Africa have "much to gain" by adopting common positions on challenges such as climate, trade and migration.

He told South African newspaper Sunday Times that young South Africans needed new job prospects, and that Germany wanted to help in this area through investment.

Steinmeier also plans to visit neighbouring Botswana.