Maputo – South Africa and Mozambique opened the ministerial session of their Fourth Bi-National Commission in Maputo today, setting the stage for deeper political, economic and security collaboration ahead of a presidential meeting planned for tomorrow.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, addressed Mozambican Foreign Affairs Minister Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas, joined by ministers and senior officials from both governments. He said the commission remains a central forum for building partnerships across multiple sectors as the two countries prepare for a session to be co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Daniel Chapo.
Lamola noted that the relationship between the neighbouring states is shaped by shared history, regional solidarity and long-standing cooperation. He recalled Mozambique’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle and referenced this year’s high-level engagements, including Ramaphosa’s attendance at Chapo’s inauguration in January and the Mozambican leader’s Working Visit to Pretoria in March.
The minister outlined priority areas expected to receive attention, including trade, investment, energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, healthcare and cultural ties. Mozambique remains South Africa’s largest trading partner on the continent, and both sides are working to expand Mozambican exports and support joint ventures that create jobs and build skills.
Energy cooperation is set to take a significant step forward tomorrow when Ramaphosa and Chapo inaugurate SASOL’s new integrated gas processing facility in Inhambane Province. The plant is designed to supply natural gas to both markets and strengthen regional energy security. Lamola also confirmed that South African development finance institutions and private firms have committed about R150 billion toward Mozambican projects over the next three to five years.
Mining collaboration continues to offer strong potential, particularly as both states hold sizeable reserves of critical minerals needed for global green-energy transition efforts. Lamola said renewed resource mapping and technical cooperation could unlock wider regional benefits.
On infrastructure, he pointed to the Maputo Development Corridor as a proven driver of cross-border growth. Planned upgrades to the N4 concession, as well as expanded rail, road and port capacity, are expected to be key areas of discussion, with Transnet signalling readiness to support Mozambique’s ambitions.
Security matters also featured in the opening session. Lamola thanked Mozambique for backing South Africa’s recent election as SADC interim chair and called for closer coordination against terrorism in Cabo Delgado, cross-border crime and wider regional instability. He also expressed concern over the crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
Ahead of tomorrow’s presidential engagements, Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo welcomed the South African delegation, saying:
“Welcome to Mozambique President Cyril Ramaphosa my brother and counterpart from the Republic of South Africa. It is with honor that we receive Your Excellency to deepen cooperation, strengthen our friendship and open new opportunities for our peoples. Let’s work.”
Lamola said both countries remain committed to ensuring that their partnership delivers concrete improvements for citizens as the Bi-National Commission continues its work.
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