By Thapelo Molefe
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Angola’s leadership in regional peacebuilding and underscored the urgent need for economic collaboration during a state visit by Angolan President João Lourenço.
“This visit strengthens the bonds of friendship and shared destiny between our peoples,” Ramaphosa declared, adding that the two nations must work together to address challenges and seize opportunities across Africa.
Briefing the media on Thursday, Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s commitment to structural economic reforms aimed at attracting investment and fostering a more conducive business environment.
“South Africa must become the destination of choice for Angolan goods, products and services, and vice versa,” he said, pointing to the significant potential for cooperation in green energy, infrastructure and manufacturing.
He further emphasised the importance of industrialisation and mineral beneficiation, highlighting the role they played in sustainable economic development.
The president also praised Angola’s efforts in addressing regional conflicts, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and commended its constructive role in peacebuilding initiatives.
“Angola has been a beacon of leadership in addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges,” Ramaphosa said, while reiterating the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and mediation.
A key focus of the discussions was economic cooperation. Ramaphosa emphasised SA’s drive to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.
“Approximately 20 South African companies already operate in Angola, and we aim to expand this footprint,” he stated.
The discussions included exploration of investment opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture and infrastructure development.
Both nations committed to boosting trade and investment, with President Lourenço expressing satisfaction at the growing presence of South African businesses in Angola.
“South African investment in Angola has been growing satisfactorily, bringing added value to important sectors of our economy,” he said.
Lourenço also called for enhanced partnerships in sectors like mineral resources, oil and gas, health, education and renewable energy.
“We deem it necessary and essential to work together to promote investment and improve the competitiveness of companies in both countries,” he added.
The leaders underscored their shared responsibility in addressing regional conflicts.
Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area in fostering economic integration, which he said would contribute to stability and growth across the continent.
Lourenço reiterated Angola’s commitment to peace initiatives in the DRC, including the upcoming Tripartite Summit aimed at facilitating a peace agreement.
“Our country continues to undertake initiatives to normalise relations and ensure security in the region,” he said.
Additionally, Lourenço expressed Angola’s deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and instability in Mozambique, urging dialogue and cooperation to resolve these challenges.
Migration issues were also on the agenda.
Lourenço highlighted the need for effective solutions to the legalisation of citizens in irregular situations and the repatriation of those in illegal status.
“Our technical teams must meet to design effective methods to expedite resolutions to these problems,” he urged.
Ramaphosa reiterated SA’s priority to promote Africa’s developmental agenda during its G20 presidency in 2025, while Lourenço emphasised Angola’s priorities as it prepared to chair the African Union in 2025, calling for South Africa’s support in driving continental initiatives.
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