African Union (AU)
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South African Development Community (SADC) |
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South Africa and Mozambique enjoy warm and cordial relations. In 1992 the two countries formally established Trade Missions on a reciprocal basis and on 11 October 1993 relations were upgraded to full diplomatic status.
Relations between South Africa and Mozambique are underpinned by strong historical and political bonds dating back to the liberation struggle. The relationship is characterised by the historical, geographical and cultural affinities between the people of the two countries.
In 1994 South Africa and Mozambique established the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) in order to manage and promote cooperation for all line-function Departments between the two countries. On 13 and 14 December 2011, President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by a Ministerial, Business and Senior Officials delegation paid a State Visit to Mozambique.
Bilateral relations were elevated to Presidential level by the signing of the Agreement on the establishment the Bi-National Commission (BNC). It replaced all previous bilateral mechanisms for the management and cooperation of bilateral relations. During the visit a number of Agreements, related to forestry, defence, communications, arts and culture were also signed. The Visit substantially contributed to the consolidation of South Africa’s economic relations with Mozambique.
On 15 October 2014 President Filipe Nyusi was elected as the country’s 4th Head of State and on 15 January 2015, President Jacob Zuma attended his inauguration in Maputo. In May 2015, President Zuma paid a State Visit to the Republic of Mozambique. The Visit strengthened relations and cooperation. The unveiling of the Matola Raid Monument and Interpretative Centre and the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission were prioritised during the visit. Respectively the unveiling of the Monument in Matola took place on 11 September 2015 and the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission in Pretoria took place on 22 and 23 October 2015. The BNC deliberated extensively on the promotion of cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure development and tourism development. The last BNC took place in March 2022 and will be preceded by a Mid-Term Review (MTR) before the next BNC.
In terms of trade relations, Mozambique forms part of the top five South African trade partners on the continent. Trade has been on a positive upward trend, throughout with mineral products accounting for the largest share of exports from Mozambique whilst South Africa’s exports to Mozambique are generally more diversified. Trade between South Africa and Mozambique has been on a steady increase since 2011. In 2011, total trade between the countries was over R21 billion and in 2014 a figure of R43.9 billion was recorded, resulting in an increase of over 50% over a three year period.
A large number of South African companies, estimated to be more than 300 operate in Mozambique. Prominent South African companies with investment in Mozambique include amongst others Standard Bank, FNB, SABMiller, MOZAL, Vodacom, Hollard, Shoprite, Southern Sun, Sasol, Huletts, Ilovo, Massmart (Builders Warehouse and Game), etc. |
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