POLITICAL RELATIONS

The relations between South Africa and Guinea-Bissau date back to the common struggle against colonialism and apartheid by the peoples of the two countries.

The current ruling parties of the two countries, the PAIGC and the ANC, have been at the centre of these relations that were forged in the trenches of struggle. The establishment of a fully-fledged South African Embassy in Guinea-Bissau was aimed at recognising and paying tribute to our time-tested relations, and also to fully focus on our new terrain of struggle against poverty, underdevelopment and marginalisation.

South Africa and Guinea Bissau established diplomatic relations in 1994, following the advent of democracy in the former.  A Joint Communiqué Concerning the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations was signed in October 1994. Following the working visit by then Prime Minister Martinho Dafa Cabi to South Africa in August 2007, South Africa opened an Embassy in Guinea-Bissau in March 2008.

Ambassador LLA Mnguni, who presented his credentials to former President Nino Vieira on 28 March 2008, was the first South African Ambassador to Guinea Bissau. He presided over the process to establish the South African Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

The Mission started its operations at the Bissau Palace Hotel where it operated from March 2008 to September 2010. The Chancery was inaugurated on 24 February 2011 while the Official Residence of the Ambassador on the occasion of South Africa’s Freedom Day celebrations on 27 April 2011. A number of bilateral agreements have since been signed between the two sister countries, with a view to deepen political and economic relations.
Ambassador NN Lehoko succeeded Ambassador Mnguni as the Ambassador of South Africa to Guinea-Bissau in April 2014.

TRADE RELATIONS
The total trade between South Africa and Guinea Bissau in 2013 was a little below $ 1 million.

South African exports to Guinea- Bissau were mainly in the categories vehicles, vessels and aircraft, machinery as well as plastics and rubber.

Imports from Guinea-Bissau were mainly under the category vegetables. For detailed information on the trade between the two countries as well as the requirements for import and export services, please visit www.sars.gov.za
The Telecommunications Company, MTN, is the only South African company operating in Guinea-Bissau. 

The two countries are looking into growing their trade relations for mutual developmental gains.

If you need to export, import or invest in South Africa, and you need more information, kindly check the page on doing business in South Africa.