South Africa and Uganda are seeking to strengthen trade and investment ties by addressing barriers facing businesses, improving connectivity and expanding cooperation across key economic sectors.
Delivering opening remarks during the Third Session of the South Africa–Uganda Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in Pretoria on Tuesday, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola emphasised the need to translate bilateral commitments into tangible economic benefits.
Lamola said the two countries had significant opportunities to expand cooperation in transport, mining, energy, agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, financial services, telecommunications and tourism.
“I welcome Uganda’s emphasis on economic diplomacy and on converting diplomatic engagement into tangible trade and investment opportunities. This is an area in which our two countries can work particularly closely. The economic discussions are therefore particularly important,” he said.
He noted that South African companies, including MTN, Standard Bank Group, Absa and Sanlam, had established operations in Uganda, contributing to the country's economic development.
However, the investment relationship had yet to reach its full potential, requiring both governments to address challenges affecting investors and create a more supportive business environment.
“We should therefore use this JCC to identify practical measures that can make it easier for businesses from both countries to invest and operate in each other’s markets,” Lamola said.
He called for regulatory and administrative barriers to be addressed, trade facilitation to be improved and cooperation on standards to be strengthened.
The proposed Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment could provide a mechanism for identifying opportunities for increased two-way investment and monitoring challenges experienced by businesses operating in both countries.
Lamola also called for greater efforts to ensure that Ugandan businesses and investors could expand their presence in South Africa.
Improving connectivity and trade
The Minister highlighted the importance of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement in improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of people, goods and business between the two countries.
He welcomed the expansion of South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system to Ugandan passport holders, saying it could facilitate legitimate short-term travel for business and other eligible purposes.
He said improved air connectivity, efficient customs procedures and predictable regulatory processes should form part of broader efforts to support business mobility and strengthen economic relations.
The two countries should also advance cooperation in mining, geology, hydrocarbons and energy resources, while completing outstanding technical and institutional processes.
Lamola said Uganda's commitment to regional integration through the East African Community presented opportunities to advance continental economic transformation and implement the African Continental Free Trade Area.
A more integrated East Africa, supported by improved infrastructure, trade facilitation and connectivity, could contribute significantly to economic development across the continent.
Strengthening regional and international cooperation
Beyond economic relations, Lamola called for stronger coordination between South Africa and Uganda within the United Nations, the African Union and other multilateral forums.
He said the two countries should work together on African peace and security, development and reform of global governance, including the reform of the United Nations Security Council to address Africa's underrepresentation.
He acknowledged Uganda's role in regional peace and security efforts, including in South Sudan, Somalia, the Horn of Africa and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Lamola said South Africa remained committed to African-led approaches to resolving conflicts and called for sustained efforts to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access and pursue lasting political solutions in conflict-affected areas.
He also highlighted concerns about conflicts in Sudan, the DRC, Palestine and Ukraine, emphasising the importance of international law, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The Minister said geopolitical tensions should not distract from Africa's development priorities, including securing fairer access to development finance, climate finance, technology and international markets.
Cooperation on health and security
Lamola also underscored the importance of cooperation on defence, security and law enforcement, including extradition, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, the transfer of sentenced persons and immigration matters.
He urged both delegations to establish clear pathways and timeframes for concluding outstanding agreements and memoranda of understanding requiring further legal and technical work.
The Minister further congratulated Uganda on bringing its Ebola outbreak under control, highlighting the importance of continental solidarity and coordinated responses to public health emergencies.
South Africa had supported the continental response, with President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, announcing an initial US$5 million contribution to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Lamola said Uganda's response demonstrated the value of regional preparedness, information-sharing and African-led public health interventions.
The Third Session of the JCC provides an opportunity for the two countries to review progress in bilateral relations, address outstanding matters and identify further areas of cooperation.
Lamola said the success of the meeting would ultimately depend on the implementation of its commitments.
“The success of this JCC should ultimately be judged by what follows after today: stronger trade and investment, improved connectivity, closer institutional cooperation, greater movement of people, stronger regional cooperation and closer coordination on matters of common interest,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
