Luanda: The new South African ambassador to Angola, Thembelani Nxesi, has emphasized the strategic importance of Angola as a partner for South Africa. Nxesi made this declaration in Luanda after presenting his credentials to the Angolan President, Joo Louren§o, allowing him to officially represent South Africa in Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Nxesi's mission will involve identifying and exploring new areas of cooperation, with a focus on the economic and strategic sectors of both nations. The oil industry has been highlighted as a priority, acknowledging Angola's potential in natural resources and its current reliance on imported refined petroleum products. Nxesi stressed the need for Angola and South Africa to jointly develop industries, exchange knowledge, and share skills in key sectors to optimize the exploitation of natural resources and boost their economies.
Nxesi further emphasized the importance of training and capacity building, particularly for young people and women. He highlighted agribusiness as a sector where South Africa's expertise could benefit Angola, aiming to strengthen productive capacities and stimulate economic growth in both countries. "We will work to help Angola in the capacity building of young people and women, especially in the area of agribusiness," Nxesi stated.
The ambassador also underscored the historical ties between the two nations, referencing Angola's support in the struggle against South Africa's apartheid regime. The preservation of historical memory is part of Nxesi's mission, as seen in South Africa's 'Paths to Liberation' project, which honors liberation struggle combatants in Southern Africa. This project involves identifying and repatriating the remains of those who perished on Angolan soil during the struggle.
Nxesi reiterated his commitment to enhancing the friendship and cooperation between Angola and South Africa. The bilateral cooperation focuses on various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, mining, agriculture, transport, health, education, defense, and security. Angola and South Africa share a history of liberation struggle and solidarity, with Angola supporting the African National Congress (ANC) against apartheid, which has fortified their current bilateral ties.
The cooperation framework is based on the General Agreement on Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation, signed in 1998 during Nelson Mandela's visit as the then South African President. Political consultations were formalized in 2009, and a Bilateral Joint Commission was established in 2000, later evolving into the Binational Commission to enhance relations.
In the economic realm, both countries aim to boost trade and investment, concentrating on sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, transport, health, tourism, and education. During President Joo Louren§o's state visit to South Africa in December 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa identified increased trade and investment as priorities in the bilateral partnership. Currently, about 20 South African companies operate in Angola across various sectors, while South African financial institutions like the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) engage in financing activities in Angola.
The partnership between Luanda and Pretoria is integral to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional integration efforts and the broader African economic integration framework.
