Maputo: President Cyril Ramaphosa has leveraged his official dinner remarks in Maputo to emphasize Mozambique's increasing role as South Africa's principal economic ally on the continent. He highlighted that the two nations share a historical bond and are now focused on achieving prosperity together.
According to South African Government News Agency, on the eve of the fourth South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC), President Ramaphosa pointed out that the relationship between the two countries, originating from the fight against colonialism and apartheid, has now evolved into a strategic economic partnership. "Today, Mozambique is South Africa's largest trading partner on the African continent and the fourth in the world. We are committed to growing this partnership in a mutually beneficial manner," he stated.
His speech set the stage for a two-day working visit aimed at bolstering cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, transport, tourism, agriculture, and mining. These areas are seen as holding significant potential for increased investment.
President Ramaphosa arrived in Mozambique on Tuesday afternoon, invited by President Daniel Chapo. The visit includes bilateral talks, the official opening of the BNC, and several key economic engagements. Ramaphosa noted that South African businesses continue to prioritize Mozambique for investments across various sectors.
The two presidents are set to launch the Integrated Hydrocarbons Infrastructure Facility in Temane on Wednesday, a significant collaboration between Mozambique and Sasol to enhance regional energy security and industrial development. "We are also looking forward to attending the Business Forum in Vilankulo, in which many South African companies, State-owned enterprises, and development finance institutions will participate," Ramaphosa added.
The BNC, initiated in 2015, is the main mechanism steering cooperation between the neighboring countries. Over 70 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been established, focusing on areas such as agriculture, defense, border management, health, labor, customs administration, and investment facilitation.
The current session will review the progress of commitments from the previous BNC in 2022 and explore new trade and investment opportunities. In 2024, Mozambique recorded R119.4 billion in trade with South Africa, up from R114 billion the prior year. South African exports to Mozambique amounted to R19.4 billion.
President Ramaphosa stressed the intertwined futures of both nations. "Ours is a special relationship. South Africans and Mozambicans are bound together by a common heritage, geographic proximity, and familial ties. We are one people. Once more, my dear brother, I extend our gratitude for your gracious hospitality. We feel truly welcome," he expressed to President Chapo.
Accompanying President Ramaphosa is a high-level ministerial delegation, underscoring the extensive cooperation under review. The delegation includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Tolashe, and Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, among others.
The BNC opening and joint press conference are scheduled for Wednesday morning at the State House in Maputo, followed by the Sasol project launch in Temane and an address at the South Africa-Mozambique Business Forum in Vilankulo later in the day.