PtSA has strengthened its international industry network through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CEFAMOL, the Portuguese Association for the Mould Industry.
The agreement brings together two organisations committed to supporting the development and competitiveness of their respective tooling, mould and manufacturing industries, creating a platform for greater cooperation between South Africa and Portugal.
Creating Opportunities Across Borders
Under the agreement, CEFAMOL will serve as the interface in Portugal for industrial, business and research activities, while PtSA will fulfil the corresponding role in South Africa, identifying opportunities for research, technical collaboration and business cooperation.
Through this partnership, the organisations aim to connect companies and institutions from both countries, encourage knowledge exchange and create opportunities for mutually beneficial industry collaboration.
From Knowledge Exchange to Business Cooperation
The MoU provides a framework for a wide range of collaborative activities, including the exchange of information on trade, business and investment opportunities.
It also opens the door for bilateral meetings, business missions, group visits and technical exchanges between Portugal and South Africa. Technical, economic and market information can be shared to help establish commercial connections and encourage new joint business initiatives.
Importantly, the partnership will also promote collaboration between industry and academia, including opportunities for joint Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&I) projects involving Portuguese and South African companies and research institutions.
Participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences and seminars will provide further opportunities to exchange knowledge, share best practices and showcase industry capabilities internationally.
Strengthening South Africa’s International Connections
CEFAMOL represents Portugal’s internationally recognised mould industry and an integrated value chain encompassing design, engineering, prototyping, mould manufacturing and the production of parts and components.
PtSA, in turn, supports the development and competitiveness of South Africa’s tooling and manufacturing industry through international partnerships, knowledge exchange and advanced training programmes.
The new partnership provides an important platform for connecting these capabilities and developing stronger relationships between companies, institutions and research organisations in both countries.
The MoU was agreed on 3 September 2026 and signed by CEFAMOL President João Faustino and Secretary General Manuel Oliveira, together with PtSA President Malte Scherner and PtSA Group CEO Tapiwa Samanga.
Through partnerships such as this, PtSA continues to expand opportunities for South African industry to connect internationally, exchange expertise and participate in collaborative initiatives that support innovation and long-term industrial competitiveness.
