PRETORIA: South Africa and Angola have taken significant steps to enhance their bilateral relationship, with trade and investment emerging as key priorities. During official talks at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço emphasized their commitment to boosting economic cooperation between the two nations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the discussions highlighted the decision to elevate the bilateral mechanism from a Joint Commission of Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission (BNC), signaling a deepening commitment to collaboration. The first BNC session is set to take place in Angola next year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Angolan independence. President Ramaphosa underscored the importance of this milestone, noting the presence of 20 South African companies operating in Angola across various sectors, including financial services, IT, and tourism.
South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
has also invested in significant projects in Angola, such as the Cabinda Oil Refinery and a phosphate project. President Ramaphosa encouraged more Angolan companies to explore opportunities in South Africa, particularly in infrastructure development, agriculture, and mining.
The leaders discussed the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a catalyst for industrialization and trade. They emphasized the need for joint strategies in mineral beneficiation and highlighted Angola’s Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor as a promising development for regional integration.
In addition to economic collaboration, the leaders addressed shared efforts in promoting peace and security across Africa. They praised Angola’s role in peacebuilding initiatives and underscored the necessity of resolving ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Eastern DRC and Sudan.
On the international stage, President Ramaphosa advocated for reforming institutions like the UN Security Council to better represent the Glo
bal South. With South Africa assuming the G20 Presidency, he committed to prioritizing Africa’s developmental goals, particularly those outlined in Agenda 2063.
The President extended a warm welcome to President Lourenço, stating that his visit marks a significant step in strengthening the already strong ties of solidarity and friendship between South Africa and Angola.