Lamola calls for stronger Canada-SA business ties

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for stronger business ties with Canada. This call came during the Southern Africa-Canada Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Engagement, where Lamola urged the Chamber to collaborate more closely with the government to enhance relations between the two nations.

Speaking at the event, Lamola emphasized the importance of developing a focused program of commercial projects within the 5+1 family of countries, and of strengthening business-to-business networks. He also advocated for expanding engagement between Canada and South African provinces, and bringing research institutions and investors into discussions.

Mike Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Africa-Canada Chamber of Commerce, echoed Lamola's sentiments. Morgan noted that mutual trust between Canada and South Africa is at an all-time high, which makes their task as a chamber of business easier. However, he primarily emphasized driving cross-border engagement, both Canada to South Africa and South Africa to Canada, with a focus on driving foreign direct investment.

This was reported by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa on November 6, 2026.