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) in Vilankulo, on Wednesday.
“Together, South African and Mozambican businesses can achieve what neither can accomplish alone. I call upon our businesses to move beyond cautious exploration toward bold partnership. I call on them to identify specific projects, to commit the necessary resources and to execute with excellence,” the President said.
He added that the strong turnout of business leaders from both countries underscored a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties built on struggle, solidarity and shared sacrifice.
He noted that total trade between South Africa and Mozambique had doubled between 2020 and 2024, demonstrating remarkable resilience and growth that directly translates into jobs, livelihoods and empowered communities on both sides of the border.
“Mozambique stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey. Its extraordinary natural resources position it as a future economic powerhouse in our region,” President Ramaphosa said.
He highlighted natural gas, coal reserves, solar potential, arable land and a rapidly growing tourism sector as major opportunities for collaboration.
The President said the industrial sectors with the most promise for joint development include food and agro-processing, packaging, textiles, wood processing, building materials and metals. These align strongly with South Africa’s capabilities and provide scope for expanding value-added trade.
While South Africa’s mineral exports dominate current trade flows, President Ramaphosa said both countries must work to diversify their economic relationship.
“We must expand value-added products and services. This will create more jobs and transfer greater skills and technology,” he said.
Mozambique’s exports to South Africa are largely electrical energy, natural gas, coal, aluminium and agricultural products also present opportunities for diversification and deeper industrial integration.
South African investments in Mozambique span food and beverages, real estate, coal, oil and gas, business services and finance. These investments, President Ramaphosa said, bring not only capital but skills development, technology transfer and integration into regional and global value chains.
However, he cautioned that infrastructure gaps, customs delays, regulatory differences and limited access to finance continue to constrain trade.
“These challenges are not insurmountable. They require sustained commitment from both governments, working in partnership with the private sector, to implement practical solutions. We must invest in cross-border infrastructure, harmonise regulations, simplify customs procedures and create one-stop shops for investors,” he said.
The President reiterated South Africa’s commitment to supporting companies operating in Mozambique, including improved commercial support through diplomatic missions and backing for regional infrastructure and skills development initiatives.
He emphasised that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a major opportunity for both nations to position themselves as gateways into wider African markets.
“The economic relationship we build today will determine the prosperity of our children tomorrow. We stand at a moment of extraordinary opportunity,” the President said.
He commended the South African Chamber of Business in Mozambique, whose member companies have invested R160 billion in the country and employ 43,000 people, calling its launch a milestone for organised business engagement.
President Ramaphosa urged businesses from both countries to act decisively.
“Let us demonstrate that African countries can work together to build prosperity, create opportunities and transform the lives of our people,” he said.
READ | President Ramaphosa urges stronger economic integration, regional peace efforts
The Business Forum formed part of the programme for the 4th Mozambique–South Africa Bi-National Commission, co-chaired by President Ramaphosa and President Daniel Chapo. – SAnews.gov.za
