President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Côte d’Ivoire for the Africa CEO Forum where he aims to deepen investment and trade ties between South Africa and the rest of the continent.
Ramaphosa is on a working visit during which he aims to consolidate existing bilateral relations between South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire as well as participate in the Africa CEO Forum that kicked off on Monday in Abidjan.
The gathering, which has attracted thousands of delegates from across the continent, brought together multinational CEOs, investors and government leaders to discuss innovation and business opportunities.
Writing in his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa noted on Monday that South Africa is committed to expanding intra-African trade, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides a predictable framework for cross-border business growth.
“South Africa is greatly encouraged by a new wave of continental business expansion. We are forging ahead to deepen investment and trade with the rest of the continent in a manner that contributes to shared prosperity for all Africa’s people,” he said.
Highlighting South Africa’s historical role in regional trade, Ramaphosa cited increased exports to neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia as well as the rest of the continent, reflecting the success of long-standing partnerships and trade agreements.
He noted that the current global “upheavals” in the global economy present an opportunity for an Africa-focused trade and investment policy.
“With ongoing global economic shifts, Africa has a unique opportunity to advance trade and investment policies that benefit its people,” Ramaphosa said.
He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to playing a leading role in Africa’s economic integration, urging regional collaboration in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, financial services, and technology.
The South African leader had a brief meeting with Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara on Monday ahead of the business leaders’ forum.
JN/APA