Lamola and Ugandan counterpart call for stronger African integration

Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Ronald Lamola and his co-chair Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Adonia Ayebare have highlighted economic partnerships, easier travel and energy security as priorities for stronger African integration.

Lamola sees Uganda as a strategic economic partner, with opportunities spanning financial services, mining and healthcare.

Both governments say stronger co-operation could unlock investment and economic growth.

“Uganda is a significant player in the continent but also in East Africa’s economy.

It’s one of the fastest growing economies in East Africa and in the continent, so it becomes a very key partner for South Africa and for us to work with Uganda.

Also, for outward investment of several of our companies.” In addition, Ayebare welcomed South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which Uganda says can improve mobility for business people, tourists and students.

“Continental integration is about the movement of people and goods, so the ETA is a very, very important tool.

I have talked to our business people that in the previous months, years, it would take forever to get a South African visa, and you know business people are always on the move.

So this is really a major development.

You can get a South African visa multiple entry six months under one hour.” The talks also addressed health co-operation, including the regional response to Ebola, with the two ministers agreeing that there is a need for African countries to strengthen their own energy supply chains amid global instability.

“This should be a battle for all African states, so we call for others to do the same.

As we call for this African solution, the African solution must be led through resources, through availing funds, through expertise.” “Uganda is going to start producing crude oil.

We need to refine it on the continent and use it.

I think this has – our supply chains were really not in our hands for a long time.” South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola is hosting his Ugandan ambassador Adonia Ayebare for 3rd Joint Commission for Cooperation in Pretoria.