Exclusive | South Africa's Consul General looks forward to expanding country's presence in HK

On March 18, Hong Kong Metropolitan University LiPACE hosted a dialogue session, "Exploring South Africa and its Fintech Developments" with Mr. Mojalefa Mogono, the Consul General of the Republic of South Africa in HKSAR, China.

To kick start the discussion, Mr. Mogono briefly shared on South Africa's oppressive apartheid era, emphasizing the nation's commitment to progress and a desire to avoid returning to past inequalities.

Today, South Africa is a country with great potential and possesses a vast amount of investment opportunities, specifically in renewable energy, agricultural processes, and Fintech. In fact, the country is leading in various industries from music to healthcare.

Mr. Mogono expressed his belief in the importance of nurturing entrepreneurs to sustain the economy. He noted that the South African government's support for startups is typically short-term and loan-based, while Hong Kong's approach involves direct investment in innovative companies. He suggested that South Africa should learn from this approach and transition to long-term support for entrepreneurship, enabling successful small businesses to support others as they grow.

Mr. Mogono shared his observation, stating, "I realized many people know of the country (South Africa) but have never been there". He expressed a desire to enhance collaboration with Hong Kong Metropolitan University through exchange programs, enabling students from both regions to engage in cultural exchange.

Mr. Mogono also extended an invitation to local residents in Hong Kong to participate in Africa Day and Heritage Day, which are going to be celebrated in May and September respectively, so as to foster a deeper understanding of South African culture among the community.

Watch the video to hear his insights!