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Lamola and Uganda's Ayebare name travel and energy as priorities

Published

South Africa's International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and Uganda's Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare met as co-chairs on Tuesday. Ayebare welcomed South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and both agreed African countries should strengthen their own energy supply chains.

The two ministers also discussed economic partnerships and health as priorities for African integration. Both governments said stronger co-operation could unlock investment and economic growth.

Lamola said Uganda is a significant player in the continent and East Africa's economy. He called it one of the fastest growing economies in East Africa and the continent.

Ayebare said the ETA is a major development, because it used to take forever to get a South African visa. He said a multiple-entry visa valid for six months can now take under one hour to obtain. Uganda said the ETA can improve mobility for business people, tourists and students.

On energy, Ayebare said Uganda is going to start producing crude oil and it needs to be refined on the continent.

Key facts

Who
Ronald Lamola (Minister of International Relations and Co-operation (South Africa)); Adonia Ayebare (Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs)
What
Lamola and his Ugandan co-chair Ayebare discussed economic partnerships, travel, health and energy security as priorities for African integration. Ayebare welcomed South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation system, and both agreed African countries should strengthen their own energy supply chains.
When
20 October 2026
Where
Uganda, South Africa
Status
Reported

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