Lamola calls for stronger business ties between South Africa and Canada

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for stronger business and investment ties between South Africa and Canada.

Lamola delivered the keynote address at the Southern Africa-Canada Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Engagement on Friday, 6 November 2026, where he encouraged the business community to work more closely with government to advance economic relations between the two countries.

He said the Chamber and its members had an important role to play in developing practical commercial opportunities and strengthening connections between businesses, provinces, investors and research institutions.

Lamola called on the Chamber to work with government and relevant institutions to develop a focused programme of commercial projects under the countries’ “5+1 family”.

He also encouraged businesses to expand their networks beyond traditional bilateral engagements by strengthening links between Canadian and South African provinces.

The Minister said greater collaboration should also bring investors and research institutions into discussions around commercial opportunities.

“Let us continue to strengthen our business-to-business networks, expand engagement between Canada and South African provinces, and bring research institutions and investors into the same conversations,” Lamola said.

His call comes as South Africa and Canada seek to build on their longstanding diplomatic relationship and identify opportunities for greater economic cooperation.

Southern Africa-Canada Chamber of Commerce CEO Mike Morgan said the business relationship between the two countries was benefiting from strong mutual trust.

Morgan said the Chamber was operating from a strong foundation, with relations between Canada and South Africa reaching what he described as an unprecedented level of trust.

He said this provided a favourable environment for the Chamber to advance its role in facilitating cross-border business engagement.

According to Morgan, the Chamber's primary focus is to promote business flows in both directions, supporting companies seeking opportunities in Canada as well as Canadian businesses looking to enter the South African market.

He identified foreign direct investment as a key priority for the Chamber, saying attracting and facilitating investment remained central to its mandate.

The engagement comes as South Africa reflects on 30 years of constitutional democracy, with Lamola also highlighting the shared democratic values between South Africa and Canada.

Canada played a role in supporting South Africa during the drafting, adoption and implementation of its Constitution, providing another foundation for the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Lamola said the 30th anniversary of the Constitution offered an opportunity for South Africa to reflect on its democratic journey while continuing to exchange lessons with international partners such as Canada.

The Minister also highlighted the significance of the 25th anniversary of Canada conferring honorary citizenship on former president Nelson Mandela, describing the milestone as another reminder of the close historical ties between the two nations.

The business engagement therefore comes at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen not only their diplomatic relationship but also the commercial links that underpin their economic partnership.