President Cyril Ramaphosa Welcomes Angolan Counterpart on Landmark State Visit

Pretoria, 12 December 2024 – President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Angolan President João Lourenço for a historic State Visit at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, marking a pivotal moment in South Africa-Angola relations.

In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa extended a warm welcome to President Lourenço, congratulating him on his re-election and acknowledging Angola’s critical role in advancing democratic processes across the continent.

“This has been a year of major elections across the continent, including in Angola and South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said. “We share a sense of optimism regarding the state of multiparty democracy in Africa, which has proven to be robust and in good health.”

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The visit underscored the deep historical bonds between the two nations, forged during their liberation struggles. President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to Angola and the MPLA for their unwavering solidarity with South Africa, especially as the country commemorates 30 years of democracy.

Building on this shared history, the two leaders announced plans to deepen cooperation through the Bi-National Commission (BNC). The inaugural BNC meeting, set for 2025 in Angola, will focus on enhancing trade and investment ties.

“Angola and South Africa are amongst the largest regional economies, and we have agreed to deepen bilateral trade and investment,” said President Ramaphosa, highlighting the presence of 20 South African businesses in Angola across sectors such as financial services, IT, and manufacturing.

South African development finance institutions, including the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation, are supporting Angolan infrastructure projects. Notable initiatives include pipeline construction, renewable energy, and port development.

Economic Collaboration and Regional Integration

The leaders also discussed the Lobito Trans Africa Corridor, a key project envisioned as an economic development zone. South Africa pledged to explore collaborative opportunities aligned with President Lourenço’s vision for the corridor.

President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of reciprocal investment, calling for greater Angolan participation in South Africa’s economy. A Business Forum later today aims to foster connections between businesses from both nations.

To streamline collaboration, the two countries will audit over 44 existing agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, ensuring their effective implementation.

Regional Peace and Security

On regional matters, both leaders expressed concern over escalating conflicts in Africa. President Ramaphosa praised President Lourenço’s mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, as well as his role in addressing the Sudan crisis through the AU Presidential Ad-Hoc Committee.

“We are deeply troubled by the deteriorating situation in Sudan and the ensuing humanitarian crisis,” President Ramaphosa said, pledging South Africa’s support for conflict resolution efforts.

The leaders also committed to addressing the post-electoral crisis in Mozambique and enhancing regional responses to peace and security challenges, reaffirming their dedication to the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative.

G20 Presidency and Africa’s Developmental Agenda

President Ramaphosa briefed President Lourenço on South Africa’s upcoming G20 Presidency, the first on African soil. He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to prioritizing Africa’s developmental agenda, as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“South Africa will ensure that key issues of strategic importance to Africa and the Global South are elevated during our term,” he said.

Looking Ahead

The visit concluded with a commitment to deepening ties in pursuit of mutually beneficial growth, continental integration, and sustainable development. President Ramaphosa invited President Lourenço to address the gathering, signaling a united front in fostering African prosperity.

This State Visit reinforces the historic and strategic partnership between Angola and South Africa, setting a robust foundation for future cooperation.