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South Africa and Uganda seek stronger trade ties in Pretoria

Published

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola opened the Third Session of the South Africa-Uganda Joint Commission for Cooperation on Tuesday. He called for practical steps to remove barriers to trade and investment between the two countries.

Lamola said the investment relationship has yet to reach its full potential. He said both governments must address the challenges that affect investors. He also called for stronger cooperation across sectors and in multilateral forums.

Lamola said: "We should therefore use this JCC to identify practical measures that can make it easier for businesses from both countries to invest and operate in each other’s markets". A proposed Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment could help find chances for more two-way investment.

Lamola also said Uganda has brought its Ebola outbreak under control. President Cyril Ramaphosa, the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, announced an initial South African contribution of US$5 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Key facts

Who
Ronald Lamola (International Relations and Cooperation Minister, South Africa); Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa; African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention…)
What
At the Third Session of the South Africa–Uganda Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in Pretoria, Minister Ronald Lamola called for practical measures to remove barriers to trade and investment, and for stronger cooperation across sectors and in multilateral forums.
When
20 October 2026
Where
Pretoria, South Africa, Uganda
Status
Reported

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