Uganda and South Africa move to turn diplomacy into deals
South Africa and Uganda have renewed their commitment to closer ties, promising stronger political consultation, more trade and investment, and deeper cooperation in key sectors.
The pledge came during the Ministerial Meeting of the Third Session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), held in Pretoria on 20 October 2026. The meeting brought together South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Ronald Lamola, and Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Adonia Ayebare. Their task was to consider and adopt recommendations from the Senior Officials Meeting aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Building on past progress
In his opening remarks, Hon. Lamola welcomed the chance to advance bilateral relations and promote shared interests within the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC) and other multilateral platforms. He described the Joint Commission as a vital mechanism for driving relations first established at the previous JCC in Kampala in 2022. That meeting was followed by a midterm review in Pretoria in 2023 and a State Visit to South Africa by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the same year.
Hon. Lamola praised Uganda’s focus on economic and commercial diplomacy, saying it could turn strong diplomatic relations into real trade and investment opportunities. He named mining, energy, agriculture, telecommunications, tourism and manufacturing as priority sectors for collaboration.
He also pointed to major South African companies already operating in Uganda as proof that the partnership works. These include MTN, Standard Bank through Stanbic Bank Uganda, and ABSA.
Uganda pushes for business to lead
For his part, Hon. Ayebare stressed the need for sustained political and diplomatic consultations at bilateral, regional and continental levels. He welcomed both countries’ shared commitment to African integration, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and championing African interests within the AU and the United Nations.
Economic cooperation, he said, remains at the heart of the relationship. He highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, agro processing, mining, energy infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT) and financial services.
To bring the private sector closer, Hon. Ayebare proposed trade missions and business forums that would connect businesses, investors and other economic players from both countries directly. He also called for joint action on barriers that slow trade, including nontariff barriers, high logistics costs and regulatory challenges.
Tourism and travel
On tourism, the Ugandan minister proposed collaboration in destination marketing, hospitality training, skills development and conservation. The aim is to increase tourist flows and make both destinations more competitive.
On immigration, he urged both sides to prioritise arrangements that make legitimate travel easier for business, education and other economic engagements. He welcomed South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, noting that it has delivered positive results for Ugandan businesspeople and students.
Time to deliver
Both ministers called for effective implementation of agreed commitments, regular bilateral engagements and the removal of trade barriers to unlock the full potential of cooperation.
The Third Session of the Joint Commission offers South Africa and Uganda a chance to consolidate their longstanding diplomatic relations, expand commercial partnerships and advance shared development priorities within the African Union and the East African Community.
