Antony Phillipson and Mandla Ndlovu.
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, welcomed British High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Antony Phillipson, and his delegation during a strategic engagement focused on strengthening trade and investment relations between Mpumalanga and the United Kingdom.
The meeting was attended by Members of the Executive Council, Director-General Maggie Skosana, and Heads of Departments. The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the provincial government to deepen partnerships with international investors and development partners to drive economic growth and job creation.
Welcoming the delegation, Premier Ndlovu described the visit as a reflection of the strong and longstanding relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom. He noted that the partnership continues to thrive through trade, investment, education, and cultural exchanges.
The Premier assured the delegation that Mpumalanga remains a province of opportunity and a safe destination for investment. He emphasized that investors continue to benefit from doing business in the province and encouraged the expansion of existing United Kingdom investments.
Ndlovu further called for the partnership between Mpumalanga and the United Kingdom to be elevated to new levels, highlighting opportunities in tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and skills development. He described Mpumalanga as a strategic partner capable of delivering mutual economic benefits.
Discussions focused on unlocking investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy, particularly within the just energy transition and the growing green economy. The Premier reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring that opportunities arising from the transition to a low-carbon economy benefit local communities and small businesses.
High Commissioner Phillipson outlined several areas for expanded cooperation, including increasing export opportunities for Mpumalanga-produced goods such as citrus to the United Kingdom market. He also highlighted the potential for strengthening university exchange programmes and scholarship opportunities for South African students.
The discussions also covered ongoing collaboration in climate action, health, science and innovation, and the digital economy.
Premier Ndlovu expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom’s continued interest in Mpumalanga and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment.
The engagement underscored the importance of international partnerships in advancing Mpumalanga’s developmental priorities, economic growth, and employment creation while strengthening relations between the province and the United Kingdom.
