Ronald Lamola Co-Chairs Political Consultations to Strengthen Egypt-SA Relations and Tackle Regional Issues

Minister Lamola leads business delegation to Cairo, discusses regional challenges in Sudan, and advocates for African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, is leading a South African delegation on a two-day working visit to Cairo, Egypt, from November 13 to 14, where he will co-chair the South Africa-Egypt Political Consultations alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty. The visit underscores the nations’ commitment to deepening their political and economic ties, which have remained strong since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1995.

Strengthening Bilateral and Economic Relations

This high-level visit not only serves as a platform for policy dialogue but also seeks to open new doors for trade and investment between the two African powerhouses. Minister Lamola is joined by a delegation of nearly 50 South African companies representing diverse economic sectors, all poised to explore further opportunities in Egypt's growing market. This visit will also review the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), a mechanism fostering collaboration in areas like science, technology, culture, and social development.

“Our partnership is set to expand significantly with South African businesses actively engaging in Egypt, especially in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and green energy. These engagements will drive economic benefits for both countries,” stated Lamola.

Focus on Sudan and African Regional Stability

A core element of the discussions will be the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, a country experiencing prolonged conflict and instability. Minister Lamola expressed deep concern about the conflict’s toll on Sudan’s population, with over 25 million people in need of humanitarian aid and more than 11 million displaced, marking one of the largest displacement crises globally. The ministers from South Africa and Egypt plan to explore diplomatic avenues to promote peace and stability in the region.

Advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063

In line with Africa’s broader economic and social development objectives, Lamola emphasized the importance of accelerating efforts toward implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He highlighted AfCFTA’s potential to transform intra-African trade by creating one of the world’s largest free trade zones, enabling African countries to trade more efficiently with each other and leverage collective economic power on the global stage. Agenda 2063, the African Union's vision for socio-economic transformation, also remains a focal point for the discussions, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive growth across the continent.

Recent Visit to Angola to Bolster Bilateral Relations

In preparation for an upcoming state visit by Angolan President João Lourenço to South Africa, Lamola visited Luanda on November 1 to solidify economic and political relations. Discussions centred on strategic partnerships in agriculture, mining, energy, and healthcare, among other sectors. South Africa and Angola will host a business forum to encourage private-sector cooperation and strengthen bilateral economic ties, marking a new chapter in regional collaboration.

Minister Lamola’s working visits to Egypt and Angola reflect South Africa’s commitment to robust partnerships within Africa, targeting shared solutions for economic development and regional stability.