Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, has reaffirmed the province’s commitment to attracting sustainable investment and expanding international partnerships following a high-level engagement with British High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Antony Phillipson.
The investment-focused visit brought together Members of the Executive Council, Director-General Ms Maggie Skosana, and Heads of Departments as part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation with international investors and development partners.
Strengthening Longstanding South Africa-United Kingdom Relations
Welcoming the British delegation, Premier Ndlovu described the visit as a reflection of the enduring friendship and cooperation between South Africa and the United Kingdom. He noted that bilateral relations continue to thrive through growing collaboration in trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
The Premier underscored Mpumalanga’s position as a province of opportunity, assuring investors that the province remains a secure and reliable destination where investments are protected and continue to deliver positive returns.
Mpumalanga Seeks Expanded British Investment
Premier Ndlovu encouraged the continuation and expansion of existing British investments in the province, stressing that the partnership between Mpumalanga and the United Kingdom should evolve to a higher level of strategic cooperation.
He highlighted sectors with significant potential for mutual growth, including tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and skills development. The Premier further positioned Mpumalanga as a strategic partner capable of supporting shared economic objectives between the province and the United Kingdom.
Focus on Green Economy and Just Energy Transition
Discussions during the engagement centred on unlocking investment opportunities across key economic sectors, particularly within the just energy transition and the broader green economy.
Premier Ndlovu reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy benefits local communities, stimulates small business growth, and contributes meaningfully to inclusive development.
The province continues to prioritise sustainable economic transformation initiatives aimed at balancing environmental responsibility with job creation and economic participation.
Expanding Trade, Education and Climate Cooperation
British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson outlined several areas for enhanced collaboration between the United Kingdom and Mpumalanga.
These include expanding export opportunities for Mpumalanga-produced goods such as citrus into UK markets, strengthening university exchange programmes through scholarship opportunities for South African students, and maintaining close cooperation on green transition initiatives.
The proposed areas of engagement build on existing partnerships between South Africa and the United Kingdom in economic growth, climate action, health, science and innovation, and the digital economy.
Commitment to Inclusive Economic Growth
Premier Ndlovu expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom’s continued interest in Mpumalanga and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for sustainable investment.
He emphasised that attracting responsible investment remains central to Mpumalanga’s development agenda, with a focus on stimulating economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of communities across the province.
The engagement highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and international partners in advancing the province’s long-term developmental priorities and positioning Mpumalanga as a competitive destination for global investment.
