President Cyril Ramaphosa will join global leaders in Brussels on Thursday for the European Union’s Global Gateway Forum where he is expected to advocate for deeper investment and trade ties between South Africa and Europe amid rising geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the two-day summit brings together heads of state, international financiers and private sector leaders to advance global infrastructure, digital innovation and sustainable development partnerships.
The forum builds on the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to strengthen smart, clean and secure connectivity across digital, energy and transport sectors, while supporting health, education and research systems worldwide.
Ramaphosa’s participation follows recent engagements with von der Leyen at the UN General Assembly in New York and the 8th South Africa-EU Summit in March, reinforcing South Africa’s strategic partnership with the EU – its largest trade and investment bloc.
He will be accompanied by senior ministers including Ronald Lamola (International Relations), Bonginkosi Nzimande (Science and Innovation), Buti Manamela (Higher Education) and Solly Malatsi (Communications and Digital Technologies), alongside a high-level South African business delegation.
The Brussels visit comes on the heels of Ramaphosa’s working trip to Ireland where he is due to hold talks with President Michael Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin on Wednesday.
Ramaphosa’s office said the discussions will focus on elevating bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Ireland in science, innovation, education and trade.
South Africa’s exports to Ireland rose by over 40 percent in 2024, contributing to a 12-percent increase in overall trade between the two nations.
Ramaphosa is expected to meet with leading Irish companies to promote investment and collaboration, further reinforcing South Africa’s engagement with European partners in shaping inclusive and resilient global development.
JN/APA