The United States is seeking to give rather than take in its relationship with Sub-Saharan Africa, visiting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.

"In our strategy towards Sub-Saharan Africa, [we are] working to build a partnership that adds value rather than extract it," she told reporters after meeting International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane in Pretoria.

Clinton said all partnerships were meant to increase efforts towards greater economic growth, increased trade and investment. Increased development would bring prosperity to the region and the world.

Clinton commended South Africa and the US on efforts they had made in strengthening trade relations.

"We believe in democracy... but we also know that democracy needs to deliver. When it does not deliver, that raises questions.

"Increased trade and investment will help create jobs and strengthen economies and at the same time help us to reduce poverty and create stability."

Clinton is visiting the country with a business delegation to hold talks on strengthening trade and investment relations between South Africa and the US.

The US is South Africa's third biggest trade partner, with trade amounting to R130-billion in 2011.