Ramaphosa Pushes Back Against Doubts, Says South Africa’s US Ties Are Stronger Than Ever

For months, public debate has swirled around South Africa’s diplomatic positioning, especially after tensions over global conflicts and shifting alliances. But President Cyril Ramaphosa appears determined to send a clear message: South Africa’s relationship with the United States is not in decline, it’s deepening.

Fresh off a series of engagements in New York during the UN General Assembly, Ramaphosa shared an optimistic update on the state of bilateral trade, citing real-world deals over political noise.

“Beyond the headlines and debates around trade policy and political frictions, US and South African businesses are forging ahead,” he said.

US Confidence in South Africa Is High, Despite the Critics

At a Trade and Investment Dialogue hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business advocacy body, South African and American business leaders met to discuss opportunities in both markets.

Ramaphosa says US businesses were not only receptive, they were impressed.

According to him, companies already operating locally praised South Africa’s recent reforms and signalled new interest in expansion, while potential investors came looking for entry points into industries like:

• Critical minerals for green tech

• Agriculture and pharmaceuticals

• Healthcare and high-end manufacturing

• Digital infrastructure and advanced technologies

With 600+ US Companies Already in SA, Trade Is More Than Symbolic

Ramaphosa cited hard numbers to back his message:

• Over 600 US companies currently operate in South Africa

• South Africa is the second-largest African importer of US goods

• Both countries see “clear commercial gains” in deepening their ties

Kendra Gaither, President of the US-Africa Business Centre, echoed this sentiment, calling the US-South Africa relationship “foundational” strong enough to survive political storms because the economic logic is simply too powerful to ignore.

New Trade Forum, New Agreements and a Push for Reciprocity

To formalise momentum, Ramaphosa announced the creation of a South Africa–United States Trade and Investment Forum, set to be launched at next year’s South Africa Investment Conference.

Meanwhile, officials from both nations are pursuing a reciprocal trade agreement, and Ramaphosa welcomed growing American support for the renewal of AGOA (the African Growth and Opportunity Act), a critical framework that grants African exports duty-free access to the US.

And in a subtle challenge to Washington, he added:

“As American companies continue expanding in South Africa, we want to see more South African companies operating in the US, creating jobs for Americans too.”

Less Politics, More Partnership

At a time when many assume South Africa is pivoting away from the West, Ramaphosa is painting a different picture, one where South Africa can deepen ties with global powers without picking sides.

If business is the true litmus test of diplomacy, then his message is clear:

The SA-US relationship isn’t breaking, it’s booming.

{Source: BusinessTech}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com