Ramaphosa Calls US Visit a Breakthrough for Economic Cooperation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described his recent trip to Washington, DC as a major step forward in strengthening South Africa’s economic and diplomatic ties with the United States.

The working visit, which included high-ranking representatives from government, business, labour, and even the sporting world, was held at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. With both leaders eager to reset and reframe relations, Ramaphosa called the engagement “a successful moment of renewed cooperation.”

Turning Tension Into Opportunity

Recent tensions—fuelled in part by disinformation campaigns about South Africa—have strained relations between the two nations. Ramaphosa acknowledged that part of his mission was to “set the record straight” and counter misleading narratives, especially around land reform and rural crime.

“It was essential to speak directly to the US administration and share the progress we’ve made in building a vibrant democracy,” Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter. “We needed to re-establish trust and open a new chapter.”

Trade Ties That Matter

The visit also reaffirmed the enduring importance of the economic relationship. The United States remains South Africa’s second-largest trading partner and a leading investor, with over 600 American companies operating locally and employing nearly 150,000 South Africans.

American interest in South Africa remains strong. Microsoft’s recent announcement of a R5.4 billion investment in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure is just one example of growing confidence in South Africa’s tech and innovation space.

Ramaphosa and Trump agreed to establish a dedicated “economic cooperation channel” to streamline talks on trade, tariffs, and market access. The two leaders also confirmed that the US would attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where South Africa will hand over the presidency to the United States.

A Welcome Mat for Investment

Ramaphosa used the platform to reassure American partners of South Africa’s stability and economic potential. Quoting from the US State Department’s recent Investment Climate Statement, he highlighted key strengths: a mature financial sector, independent judiciary, and deep capital markets.

“These are the foundations investors look for,” he noted, inviting the US government and business sector to explore further opportunities through a dedicated delegation visit to South Africa.

Working Together on Domestic Challenges

The President also acknowledged that global partnerships alone aren’t enough. Domestic hurdles—especially crime, unemployment, and red tape—need urgent attention. “To truly attract and retain investment, we must tackle our internal issues as a united front,” he said.

A Relationship Built on Mutual Respect

Ramaphosa closed by referencing Nelson Mandela’s iconic 1990 speech to the US Congress, which called for a relationship based not on dependence, but mutual benefit.

“The US showed its willingness to reset and engage with us constructively,” Ramaphosa said. “This is how we move forward—through open dialogue and real partnerships.”

As South Africa continues to position itself as a gateway for investment into Africa, the message from Washington was clear: cooperation, not confrontation, is the way forward.

{Source: African Insider }

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