Ramaphosa to Lead SA-EU Trilateral Leaders’ Meeting Ahead of G20 Summit

Sandton hosts high-level discussions on trade, investment, and sustainable development

With the G20 Social Summit just around the corner, President Cyril Ramaphosa will chair the South Africa–European Union (EU) trilateral leaders’ meeting at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday. The session underscores South Africa’s enduring strategic partnership with the EU and its commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.

Trilateral Talks: Building on a Shared Vision

According to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the trilateral meeting forms part of a longstanding alliance between South Africa and the European Union, anchored in shared values such as democracy, human rights, multilateralism, peace, and equality.

“The trilateral engagement will advance cooperation on trade and investment, macro-economic policy, climate change, energy security, research and innovation, digital transformation, peacebuilding, and global governance reform,” Magwenya said.

For South Africa, the EU remains a critical partner. The European Union accounts for 41% of all foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa and is the country’s largest trading partner. Over 2,000 EU companies operate locally, supporting more than 500,000 jobs both directly and indirectly.

“This meeting is an important platform to deepen economic ties, expand market access, and explore new avenues for mutually beneficial growth,” Magwenya added.

Geopolitics, Energy, and Sustainable Development

Beyond trade, the trilateral discussions will touch on global geopolitical developments, the reform of international financial architecture, and the strengthening of Africa-EU cooperation in sustainable development, just energy transitions, and continental peace and stability.

Key agenda items include the beneficiation of critical raw materials, the launch of the Bilateral Energy Dialogue, and EU-supported initiatives via the Team Europe Global Gateway Investment Package. These initiatives cover energy, connectivity infrastructure, green logistics, transport, and electricity. Discussions will also examine the South African pharmaceutical value chain, a sector poised for growth amid regional demand.

Showcasing South Africa’s Economic ‘Green Shoots’

In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa highlighted that the trilateral meeting and G20 Social Summit offer an opportunity to showcase a country and economy on the rise. The President emphasized emerging economic indicators pointing to “green shoots of recovery,” from investment inflows to industrial growth and innovation.

Hosting the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil, at the Nasrec Expo Centre from 22 to 23 November, has also placed South Africa at the forefront of global attention. Analysts say these events allow Pretoria to demonstrate both economic potential and diplomatic leadership on the continent.

Public and Expert Reaction

Social media reaction to Ramaphosa’s trilateral leadership has been mixed. Some commentators praise the focus on trade, energy security, and sustainable development, while others argue that local communities are still waiting for tangible improvements in housing, electricity, and job creation.

International relations expert Jan Venter of North-West University noted that the trilateral meeting represents a “key moment for Africa-EU relations, especially in advancing industrialisation, green energy, and regional infrastructure projects.”

As world leaders converge in Johannesburg, South Africa’s diplomatic and economic agenda will be closely scrutinized. The trilateral talks with the EU are expected to cement long-term cooperation, while the G20 Social Summit promises to showcase South Africa as a rising economic player in Africa and the global arena.

{Source: The Citizen}

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