Ramaphosa: SA and Mozambique one people, one future

South Africa and Mozambique have concluded the 4th Session of their Bi-National Commission, with Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Daniel Chapo reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation across economic, social, and security sectors.

The meeting in Maputo reviewed progress since the previous session in Pretoria in 2022 and resulted in the signing of new Memoranda of Understanding.

President Ramaphosa said the session demonstrated the historic responsibility both nations share to ensure future generations benefit from their strategic partnership. “President Chapo and I concur that we have a historic responsibility to our respective peoples to ensure that current and future generations appreciate the fruits of this strategic relationship,” he said.

The Commission focused on expanding cooperation in energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, financial services, telecommunications, health, tourism, and hospitality. Both countries also discussed defence and security collaboration, including border management.

“South Africa’s development finance institutions, state-owned enterprises and private companies stand ready to be partners,” Ramaphosa added, underlining the role of public and private sector collaboration.

On the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg last month, Ramaphosa met with South African companies operating across the continent, including in Mozambique. He said they confirmed their commitment to Africa’s growth, which the Bi-National Commission aims to support.

As part of ongoing cooperation, Presidents Ramaphosa and Chapo are scheduled to travel to Inhambane Province to launch a gas facility built by Sasol. “This project is another shining example of how two friendly neighbours can collaborate effectively,” Ramaphosa said, highlighting the benefits of public-private partnerships.

Ramaphosa also thanked Mozambique for enabling South African companies to invest and operate commercially in the country. “South Africans and Mozambicans are one people,” he said, noting that the 5th session of the Commission, to be held in South Africa, will report on further progress.

The 4th Bi-National Commission reinforces the commitment of both nations to strengthen trade, investment, and regional integration while ensuring sustainable development and security cooperation across the Southern African region.