"The Angolans are waiting for a big symbolic gesture from South Africa," she said. Nomfundo Xenia Ngwenya, of the South African Institute of International Affairs, believes Dos Santos's decision to visit South Africa shows Angola is ready to co-operate. But by visiting Angola as ANC president in 2008, and choosing it for his first state visit as South Africa's president in 2009, Zuma is apparently seeking a rapprochement. But despite the countries' physical proximity and the historic links between the ANC and Angola's MPLA, South African companies have struggled to do business in Angola.Īpartheid South Africa's support for the Angolan opposition movement, Unita, followed by pressure from Mbeki to negotiate rather than seek a military solution to Angola's civil war led to more than a decade of frosty relations.įears about corruption, high capital costs, language barriers and consular difficulties have also deterred potential investors, who have complained about a lack of support from the South African government. With its huge oil reserves, Angola, now sub-Saharan Africa's third largest economy, has significant investment potential. There is talk that Zuma, who has just returned from Cuba after forgiving R16-million in debt and opening a R210-million credit line for Raul Castro's government, could be seeking a similar financing model for Angola, perhaps in return for oil.
Representatives are expected from most sectors, including mining, oil and gas, finance, infrastructure and construction, agriculture and fisheries, transport and tourism, pharmaceuticals and ICT/telecommunication. South Africa's trade and industry department and Business Unity South Africa have organised a business round table to discuss investment opportunities in Angola. South Africa is hoping that next week's state visit by Angolan president José Eduardo Dos Santos will cement political and economic ties between the two countries which suffered under Thabo Mbeki's rule but have re-engaged under President Jacob Zuma.ĭos Santos, travelling with a delegation of ministers, is due on Monday and will meet Zuma during his three-day stay. Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File PhotosAngola, SA cement ties Both southern African states have enhanced relations.
Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos of the Republic of Angola welcomes President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa during a state visit in 2009.
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