The private sector is a key partner in the ongoing efforts to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between South Africa and Uganda. This was said by the Vice President of MTN Southern and Eastern Africa, Ms Yolanda Cuba when she was giving a summary of proceedings and outcome of the South Africa-Uganda Business Forum hosted in Midrand, Gauteng yesterday.

The purpose of the business forum was to increase and diversify the levels of bilateral trade and investment between Uganda and South Africa.

“The private sector emphasised the importance of effective public-private sector collaboration in tackling the challenges and capitalising on the numerous opportunities available within the two countries, and across the African continent,” said Cuba.

Cuba noted the challenges around the infrastructure deficit, general harmonisation and standardisation that would allow seamless integration of the fragmented supply chain. She said addressing these challenges would greatly facilitate and accelerate trade and investment between the two countries.

“We are happy to announce that a Mutual Recognition Agreement has been signed between the South African Revenue Services and the Uganda Revenue Authority on 27 February 2023. This will work to ease the challenges around customs clearance and handling at our ports. These agreements will ultimately facilitate the seamless acceptance of each other’s products and contribute to the minimisation of the cost of trade and doing business between our two countries,” added Cuba.

Speaking at the same forum, the Deputy Director-General of Trade and Investment South Africa at Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Ms Lerato Mataboge said as they have embarked on a review of the South Africa-Uganda partnership, the aim is to chart a concrete plan of action for the future of this partnership.

“The purpose of this business forum was to find ways of improving the levels of trade and investment between our two countries and on improving the investment environment for the private sector to thrive so as to create the much-needed jobs for our respective citizens,” said Mataboge.

She added that the collective insights that was shared by both industry and political principals during the Business Forum will ensure that they have a concrete plan of action that will set South Africa, Uganda and the rest of Africa on a very positive course for the future.

“The deliberations contributed to the economic agenda for future continental conversations and transactions,” she said.


The Deputy Director-General of Trade and Investment South Africa at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Ms Lerato Mataboge speaking at the South Africa Uganda Business Forum hosted in Midrand, Gauteng.

Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
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E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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