South Africa and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger bilateral relations, focusing on trade, investment, peacebuilding and regional cooperation across Africa.
The renewed commitment follows a bilateral meeting in Pretoria between South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by both governments to normalise and strengthen relations while creating new opportunities for cooperation across a wide range of sectors that support economic growth, regional integration and sustainable development.
Addressing the meeting, Lamola welcomed the Rwandan delegation and conveyed greetings from President Cyril Ramaphosa to Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
According to Lamola, both leaders share a commitment to building stronger relations and advancing Africa’s development agenda.
“Our two Heads of States share a profound and deep commitment to reset and re-energise our bilateral relations. Furthermore, they also have a common love for Africa and the great promise this continent holds for its people, their wishes for a stable, secure and prosperous Africa,” said Lamola.
The Minister noted that both South Africa and Rwanda have emerged from difficult chapters in their histories, including apartheid in South Africa and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda.
He said these experiences provide a foundation for collaboration based on resilience, reconciliation and nation-building.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in several strategic sectors, including trade and investment, infrastructure development, tourism, education, healthcare, wildlife conservation and people-to-people exchanges.
Lamola highlighted the importance of increasing economic collaboration between the two countries, noting that numerous South African businesses already operate successfully in Rwanda.
“It is important that we redouble our efforts to ensure that levels of trade and investment are increased for the mutual benefits of our countries,” he said.
The Minister also praised Rwanda’s progress in areas such as digital technology, agro-processing, tourism, healthcare and education. Rwanda’s growing reputation as a host for international conferences and major sporting events was also highlighted as an area of opportunity for future collaboration.
Beyond economic cooperation, peace and security featured prominently in the discussions.
Lamola stressed that South Africa and Rwanda have an important role to play in strengthening the African Union’s peace and security architecture and supporting conflict resolution efforts across the continent.
“Conflicts and wars in various parts of our continent continue to be a threat to fulfilment of Agenda 2063, the Africa we want. By silencing the guns and achieving peace and stability, we will strengthen our prospects for economic development and ultimate prosperity on the continent,” he said.
The Minister thanked Rwanda for its cooperation in supporting peace initiatives in South Sudan through the African Union Committee of Five and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration on continental peacebuilding efforts.
The discussions also extended to global governance and Africa’s role in international decision-making.
Lamola argued that Africa should have a stronger voice within global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, where developing nations and the Global South remain underrepresented.
He said issues such as development financing, climate change, food security, energy security, healthcare and debt restructuring require stronger African representation and leadership.
“We should not be marginal players in this regard,” Lamola emphasised.
The meeting comes at a time when Africa is increasingly focused on regional integration and economic cooperation as pathways to sustainable growth and development.
Lamola also referenced South Africa’s upcoming role as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), noting that regional cooperation will remain a key priority.
He said stronger collaboration between regional blocs, including SADC and the East African Community, would help unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and economic integration across the continent.
The bilateral engagement reflects a broader commitment by both governments to move beyond past challenges and focus on building a partnership that contributes to economic growth, regional stability and African prosperity.
As South Africa and Rwanda continue to rebuild and strengthen their relationship, the renewed partnership has the potential to support greater cooperation in diplomacy, business, development and peacebuilding while contributing to the African Union’s vision of a more integrated and prosperous continent.
