22 Jan Interview with H.E. Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa
How are you bringing your experience from the justice ministry into your current role?
It is an honor to serve my country in this new role. My experience in justice, which involved multilateral issues like the Human Rights Council, the Rome Statute, extradition law and international agreements, is invaluable. While justice focuses more on domestic matters, there was an external component as well. I bring that experience to this portfolio, which expands into geopolitics, trade, investment and bilateral agreements.
How would you assess the current state of U.S.-South Africa relations and what areas do you see as most promising for deepening collaboration?
South Africa-U.S. relations are dynamic and evolving, built on consistent engagement for mutual benefit. We continue to collaborate on trade, with many American companies investing in South Africa, creating jobs and contributing billions of dollars. Both countries share key values including democracy, a free press and an independent judiciary. These values strengthen our bond and set a positive example for the world.
Programs like the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief have been mutually beneficial, especially in combating HIV/AIDS. We see significant growth in trade and foreign direct investment, with South African companies also investing in the U.S. We look forward to further strengthening this relationship.
As the newly appointed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, what specific initiatives and programs are you pursuing to enhance cooperation between the U.S. and South Africa?
We are pursuing specific programs with the U.S., which we discussed during our visit to Washington. One proposal is for structured annual engagements between the U.S. State Department and Congress. We are also focusing on adding value to South Africa’s critical minerals for local manufacturing, innovation and industrialization, which are essential for technologies like electric vehicles, AI and smart devices. This includes investment in green hydrogen and new energy sectors, where collaboration between U.S. and South African companies can play a key role.
South Africa, as the most industrialized country on the continent, offers a gateway for U.S. companies to access the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, benefiting both our country and the continent.
As the biggest economy in Africa with the most liquid financial markets, South Africa serves as a prime entry point for US businesses. How is the government working to create a more favorable environment for foreign direct investment?
We are creating a favorable environment for business by establishing a one-stop shop for company registration, simplifying the process for foreign companies. This is facilitated by our Department of Trade and Industry (DTIC). We are also reforming our visa system to attract executives and skilled workers needed for business investment and operations. Additionally, energy sector reforms are crucial, allowing companies to generate their own energy. Our state-owned energy operator, ESCO, is now fully operational, providing energy security for businesses to invest with confidence.
In light of the ongoing discussions at COP29, what are the main priorities for South Africa in advancing climate action and how can U.S. partnerships help accelerate these efforts?
We are committed to fulfilling our obligations under COP 28 and COP 29, working with all partners. We are advancing the Just Energy Transition program, ensuring it is inclusive to avoid the creation of ghost towns in former coal mining areas. This includes repurposing skills and coal-fired power stations. While transitioning to renewable energy and low-carbon industries, we continue to use coal responsibly. South Africa is emerging as a strong player in the green energy sector and we look forward to working with global partners to achieve our low-carbon goals.
As a member of G20, how does South Africa see its role in international peace and security evolving and what areas of cooperation with the U.S. could contribute to greater stability in Africa and beyond?
South Africa plays a key role in promoting peace and stability at both the UN and African Union levels. We have contributed to peace efforts in the eastern DRC through the peace stabilization force and supported the Luanda process for a political solution. We are also involved in addressing the insurgency in Mozambique through the Southern African Development Community deployment force.
Additionally, we advocate for ceasefires in Sudan and Palestine, calling for lasting solutions aligned with UN resolutions. At the G20, we aim to amplify the voice of the global south and highlight Africa’s Agenda 2063. Africa receives limited development and climate finance, despite being the most affected by climate change. The G20 offers a vital platform to bridge the gap between the global north and south, building on the work of Brazil, India and Indonesia. We see ourselves as partners for peace, playing a key role in the DRC and Mozambique. We are hopeful to also collaborate in Sudan, fostering dialogue and peaceful resolutions to conflicts.