President Ramaphosa Champions African Economic Integration at Africa CEO Forum

“South Africa is greatly encouraged by a new wave of continental business expansion,” President Ramaphosa stated.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized South Africa’s renewed commitment to accelerating intra-African trade and investment as he embarks on a working visit to Côte d’Ivoire this week to participate in the prestigious Africa CEO Forum. His visit marks a strategic effort to reinforce economic collaboration and elevate South Africa’s role in Africa’s integration agenda, amid evolving global economic dynamics.

Driving Continental Collaboration

Addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of the Africa CEO Forum—a premier platform that gathers over 3,000 delegates, including business magnates, investors, and policy leaders from across the continent. The forum offers fertile ground for exchanging innovative ideas, fostering partnerships, and driving sustainable economic growth.

“South Africa is greatly encouraged by a new wave of continental business expansion,” President Ramaphosa stated. “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.”

Intra-Africa Trade and the Role of AfCFTA

The President reiterated South Africa’s historical and ongoing commitment to intra-African trade. He underscored the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is envisioned to create a unified market of over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion.

“Since the advent of democracy in 1994, our government has implemented several initiatives to promote trade and investment elsewhere on the continent, including partnerships and trade agreements,” he said. “The AfCFTA offers a predictable and conducive environment for business to thrive across borders.”

President Ramaphosa also cited recent trade data from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which shows a rise in exports to neighboring countries like Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia, as well as other regions in Africa. These figures, he noted, are a direct outcome of long-standing diplomatic and commercial engagements.

Promoting South African Industry Across Africa

The President called on South African companies to lead efforts to transform the continent’s industrial base, highlighting the wealth of opportunities in sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology, financial services, and more.

“South African business must be at the forefront of the transformation of African industry. As government, we are committed to provide the necessary supportive policy and regulatory frameworks,” he said. “Equally, we welcome investment by African firms into South Africa, which boasts a diverse economy and highly developed industrial sectors.”

He emphasized South Africa’s leadership in digital innovation, referencing the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Global Innovation Index, which ranks South Africa second among sub-Saharan African economies.

Structural Reforms to Attract Investment

Ramaphosa assured that government-led structural reforms, initiated during his sixth administration and carried forward under the current Government of National Unity, are designed to attract global and continental investment by enhancing South Africa’s economic competitiveness.

“These reforms are aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, improving our infrastructure, investing in skills development, and streamlining our visa regime,” the President explained. “All of this is part of our broader mission to make South Africa a premier destination for trade and investment.”

The Case for a Unified African Economic Agenda

President Ramaphosa argued that the current volatility in the global economy presents African nations with an opportunity to reorient their economic strategies toward self-sufficiency, collaboration, and innovation.

“Our continent must take advantage of this moment to advance a trade and investment policy that is Africa-centered,” he said. “We are determined to play a leading role in Africa’s economic integration. It is only through unity and shared purpose that we can unlock the full potential of our continent.”

As President Ramaphosa takes part in high-level engagements at the Africa CEO Forum, his message is clear: Africa’s future lies in deeper integration, mutual investment, and an unrelenting pursuit of prosperity that benefits all its people.