In a landmark development, South Africa and Angola have elevated their structured bilateral relationship from a Joint Commission of Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission (BNC). This strategic move signifies a deepened commitment to cooperation across trade, investment, regional integration, and global diplomacy. The announcement came during Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço’s State Visit to South Africa, where he met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

“Increasing trade and investment between our nations remains a top priority. South Africa must become the destination of choice for Angolan goods, products, and services, and vice versa,” President Ramaphosa affirmed in his address.

A New Era of Bilateral Cooperation

The establishment of the BNC represents a new chapter in the relationship between South Africa and Angola. This formalization will take place during the inaugural BNC session in Angola next year, aligning with the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence—a significant milestone in the country’s history.

President Ramaphosa expressed his enthusiasm for co-chairing the event, emphasizing its symbolic importance. “This will be a powerful reflection of our nations’ shared journey and commitment to a prosperous future,” he said.

The BNC will enhance collaboration in key areas, including economic development, peacebuilding, and regional integration. This elevated mechanism is expected to streamline decision-making and foster more efficient implementation of bilateral agreements.

Expanding Economic and Trade Relations

Economic ties between South Africa and Angola have grown substantially, with South Africa emerging as one of Angola’s largest trading partners. Currently, 20 South African companies operate in Angola across diverse sectors, including financial services, IT, transportation, and tourism. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa has made significant investments, notably in the Cabinda Oil Refinery and the Cabinda phosphate project.

President Ramaphosa underscored the mutual benefits of expanding these economic relations, urging Angolan companies to explore investment opportunities in South Africa.

“South Africa offers immense prospects in infrastructure development, agriculture, mining, financial services, telecommunications, and manufacturing,” he noted.

The two leaders highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a critical tool for driving intra-African trade and industrialization. They discussed strategies to leverage AfCFTA to promote value addition and mineral beneficiation, particularly for critical minerals like cobalt and lithium, which are essential for renewable energy technologies.

Angola’s Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor, a strategic infrastructure project, was spotlighted as a linchpin for facilitating regional integration and trade. Once completed, the corridor will connect key economic hubs across Southern Africa, enhancing access to both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Harnessing Energy and Resource Potential

Both nations are poised to play a leading role in Africa’s energy transition. Angola, with its abundant oil reserves, is diversifying its energy portfolio to include renewable sources. South Africa, on the other hand, is leveraging its technological and financial expertise to support green energy initiatives.

Collaborative projects in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, were discussed as part of the broader effort to meet global climate goals and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The leaders also addressed the potential for joint ventures in hydrogen energy, which is rapidly emerging as a key component of the global energy landscape.

Collaboration in Peace and Security

Beyond economic growth, the discussions extended to peace and security across the continent. Angola’s significant contributions to conflict resolution, particularly through the Luanda Process, were acknowledged and commended. The Luanda Process has been instrumental in mediating disputes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other volatile regions.

President Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of resolving ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Mozambique, and the DRC, reiterating the African Union’s goal to “Silence the Guns” by 2030.

“We must continue to prioritize peacebuilding efforts, as sustainable development cannot thrive in an environment of instability,” he stated.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and advocated for reforms in global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, to ensure fair representation of the Global South.

Global Leadership and Agenda 2063

As South Africa prepares to assume the G20 Presidency in 2025, President Ramaphosa pledged to prioritize Africa’s development agenda on the global stage. This aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth across the continent.

In a historic first, South Africa will host the G20 Summit on African soil next year. President Ramaphosa described this as a pivotal opportunity to showcase Africa’s potential and advance the continent’s strategic priorities.

“The G20 Summit will provide a platform to highlight Africa’s investment opportunities, advocate for fair trade practices, and secure commitments to addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security,” he said.

Strengthening Regional Integration

The Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor emerged as a central theme in discussions about regional integration. This corridor, spanning multiple countries, is designed to enhance trade routes and connectivity across Southern Africa.

South Africa and Angola see this project as a key driver of economic growth, with the potential to increase exports, create jobs, and reduce logistical costs. The corridor will also serve as a gateway for landlocked countries like Zambia to access international markets.

Cultural and Historical Ties

The relationship between South Africa and Angola is rooted in shared historical struggles against colonialism and apartheid. President Lourenço’s visit to South Africa served as a reminder of the enduring solidarity between the two nations.

“Our histories are intertwined, and our futures are bound by a shared vision of progress and prosperity,” President Lourenço remarked.

Cultural exchanges, education partnerships, and people-to-people programs were also discussed as ways to strengthen this bond.

Looking Ahead

President Lourenço’s visit marks a significant step forward in South Africa-Angola relations. The elevation to a Bi-National Commission, coupled with the ambitious economic and diplomatic agenda discussed during the visit, signals a reinforced partnership that will benefit not only the two nations but the entire Southern African region.

As Africa continues to rise as a global economic and political force, South Africa and Angola are well-positioned to lead the charge in shaping the continent’s future. Their partnership underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to addressing regional and global challenges.

“This is not just about bilateral ties; it is about setting an example for what Africa can achieve through unity and shared purpose,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

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photo source: Google

By; Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

13th December, 2024