South Africa and Lesotho have strengthened their trade partnership, aiming to boost investment amid global trade shifts that could affect their economies.

Officials from South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development recently met in Pretoria to explore ways to enhance collaboration in agriculture, clothing, and the automotive sectors.

The discussions provided an opportunity for both nations to identify mutual benefits, create job opportunities, and improve food security.

This engagement followed Lesotho’s week-long study mission on regulatory frameworks for indigenous plants and strategies to maximize trade agreements, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC)-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement.
Various stakeholders shared insights on optimizing trade agreements to drive economic growth and development.

Strengthening Trade Commitments

Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, Deputy Director-General of Trade at South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, emphasized the importance of resilience strategies in response to global trade disruptions, which could enhance the region’s economic stability.

Both nations agreed to collaborate on standards and cross-border value chains in key sectors, including automotive, clothing, cannabis, fruits and vegetables, and meat products.

“We welcome this commitment to diversifying production and utilizing trade agreements within the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) as a gateway to global markets,” Mlumbi-Peter stated.
The discussions were part of a broader effort following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation earlier this year. The agreement, finalized during the Bi-National Commission (BNC), aims to foster collaboration, share expertise, and promote mutually beneficial trade and investment relations.

Additionally, participants reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and working towards concluding pending negotiations.