Vilankulo: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South African and Mozambican businesses to move beyond cautious exploration toward bold partnership. The President was addressing the Business Forum on the sidelines of the 4th Mozambique-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC).
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the strong turnout of business leaders from both countries underscores a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties built on struggle, solidarity, and shared sacrifice. He highlighted that the total trade between South Africa and Mozambique had doubled between 2020 and 2024, pointing to significant economic resilience and growth that translates into jobs and empowerment for communities on both sides of the border.
President Ramaphosa described Mozambique as standing at a pivotal moment in its economic journey, with its natural resources positioning it as a future regional economic powerhouse. He identified natural gas, coal reserves, solar potential, arable land, and a rapidly growing tourism sector as key opportunities for collaboration.
The President said that industrial sectors such as food and agro-processing, packaging, textiles, wood processing, building materials, and metals present promising areas for joint development. These sectors align with South Africa's capabilities and provide a scope for expanding value-added trade. He added that while South Africa's mineral exports currently dominate trade flows, there is a need to diversify the economic relationship to include more value-added products and services, thereby creating jobs and facilitating skills and technology transfer.
Mozambique's exports to South Africa comprise electrical energy, natural gas, coal, aluminium, and agricultural products, offering further opportunities for diversification and industrial integration. South African investments in Mozambique cover food and beverages, real estate, coal, oil and gas, business services, and finance, bringing capital, skills development, technology transfer, and integration into regional and global value chains.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the challenges of infrastructure gaps, customs delays, regulatory differences, and limited access to finance that constrain trade. He called for sustained commitment from both governments, in partnership with the private sector, to implement practical solutions such as investing in cross-border infrastructure, harmonising regulations, simplifying customs procedures, and creating one-stop shops for investors.
He reiterated South Africa's commitment to supporting companies in Mozambique through improved commercial support via diplomatic missions and backing for regional infrastructure and skills development initiatives. The President also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major opportunity for both nations to serve as gateways into wider African markets.
President Ramaphosa commended the South African Chamber of Business in Mozambique, noting its member companies' investment of R160 billion in the country and employment of 43,000 people. He urged businesses from both countries to act decisively and demonstrate that African countries can collaborate to build prosperity and transform lives.
The Business Forum was part of the 4th Mozambique-South Africa Bi-National Commission, co-chaired by President Ramaphosa and President Daniel Chapo.