Uganda and South Africa are negotiating measures to improve market access, streamline cross-border travel and strengthen transport links as the two countries seek to expand trade and investment.
The discussions are taking place during the third session of the Uganda–South Africa Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), scheduled for October 15 to 20 in Pretoria. Technical officials are expected to present their recommendations to ministers on Tuesday, October 20.
Ambassador Richard Kabonero, who is leading Uganda’s senior officials in the technical discussions, said the talks were aimed at identifying practical solutions to obstacles affecting trade and investment.
“Market access to the South African market is huge. There is tremendous potential for exports,” Kabonero said.
He said Ugandan businesses could also use stronger commercial links with South Africa to reach other markets in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, where Ugandan goods are already sold.
The potential gains will depend on whether businesses can move goods reliably, comply with product standards and complete customs procedures without unnecessary delays.
Officials from customs, revenue collection and standards agencies from both countries are participating in the talks, Kabonero said, in an effort to resolve administrative problems affecting commerce.
“We have everybody in the room to remove all the bottlenecks to enhancing this cooperation in trade and investment,” he said.
He called for faster administrative processes, including travel clearances, and closer links between South African companies and Uganda’s business community. Logistics, warehousing, and cooperation in the oil and gas sector are also on the agenda.
Aviation and travel arrangements
Transport connectivity is another priority, with Uganda seeking to strengthen aviation links that could improve passenger movement and cargo services across the region.
Kabonero said the two governments were working on implementing bilateral air services arrangements, including Fifth Freedom traffic rights for Uganda Airlines on the Johannesburg-Lusaka route.
Such rights allow an airline to carry passengers or cargo between two foreign countries as part of a service linked to its home country, subject to the necessary approvals.
Kabonero also pointed to Uganda Airlines’ regional connections through Entebbe, including its Harare-Lusaka-Entebbe route, as part of efforts to strengthen links with Southern African markets.
The commercial benefits will depend on the implementation of the arrangements and the availability of viable passenger and cargo services.
Travel procedures are also under discussion. South Africa announced in September that Ugandan passport holders could apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling for eligible short visits, including tourism and short-term business. The arrangement allows eligible applicants to seek authorisation digitally but does not constitute a general visa waiver.
Kabonero said the two governments were seeking to advance a proposed visa-waiver arrangement, particularly for students travelling to South African educational institutions.
Officials are also working towards an agreement on the return of nationals refused entry, he said.
The talks come amid concerns about the experiences of Ugandan traders in South Africa. Kabonero acknowledged that confidence needed to be restored.
“The damage has to be repaired, the sentiments are bad,” he said.
He said Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had directed officials to work with relevant agencies to resolve outstanding problems.
Agreements await implementation
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, said the Joint Commission for Cooperation was established to give bilateral engagement a structured framework and identify areas where the two countries could expand collaboration.
The framework dates to 2008, with the second commission held in Kampala in 2022, according to Amoru.
He said the countries had organised their cooperation around political and security issues, economic relations, and social and cultural affairs.
“It is not enough to celebrate excellent bilateral relations if it is not translating to tangible outcomes or benefits,” Amoru said.
He identified trade, investment, access to new markets and tourism as areas where closer cooperation could deliver economic benefits.
Amoru also said technical officials had agreed on details of documents covering the return of nationals refused entry and a proposed visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports.
He described South Africa’s electronic travel authorisation system as an improvement for Ugandan travellers, saying it had reduced the costs and delays associated with previous visa application procedures. Those assessments reflect his account of the new system; a broader visa waiver remains under negotiation.
Kabonero said the technical discussions were expected to produce an implementation matrix setting out timelines and measurable outcomes.
“We expect to sign about two MOUs and two agreements,” he said.
He said the memoranda of understanding had been cleared and were expected to be ready for signing, while the formal agreements would require ratification in both countries.
The technical teams’ recommendations are due to feed into the ministerial session on October 20, which will be co-chaired by South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Adonia Ayebare, according to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
For businesses, the outcome will depend on whether the proposed commitments lead to more predictable trade procedures, improved transport connections and clearer conditions for investment. The talks have identified areas for cooperation, but their economic impact will depend on the decisions taken and how the two governments implement them.
