Ramaphosa’s message about South Africa’s ties with the US
President Cyril Ramaphosa has stressed that South Africa’s business relationship with the United States is not only strong but also growing.
Reflecting on his engagements in New York during the recent United Nations General Assembly, Ramaphosa highlighted both the optimism and practical commitments that are shaping the partnership.
“Last week I addressed a Trade and Investment Dialogue between South African and US businesses on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York,” Ramaphosa said.
He noted that this was one of a number of engagements he had with US companies while in the city. Some of these companies already have business operations in South Africa, while others are interested in investing.
“All of the companies commended the reforms being undertaken by the government and the prospects for growth in our economy,” he said.
The dialogue was convened by the US Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business advocacy organisation with a presence in more than 120 countries, including South Africa.
The gathering brought together government officials, business leaders, and industry representatives from both nations, creating an atmosphere that Ramaphosa described as optimistic and future-focused.
“Beyond the headlines and debates around trade policy and political frictions, US and South African businesses are forging ahead,” he said.
He added that he and his delegation also met with members of the US Congress and Senate, while ministers and senior officials engaged with representatives of the US administration to deepen ties.
Kendra Gaither, President of the US-Africa Business Centre of the US Chamber of Commerce, underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship.
She said that there was no economic relationship more foundational than the ties that the US and South Africa have.
She described it as a vital relationship that deserves dedicated attention, a view echoed by the Chamber’s plans to send a high-level delegation to the upcoming B20 Summit, led by its CEO.
Over 600 US companies operating in South Africa
Ramaphosa pointed to the scale of existing connections as evidence of resilience. “Commercial ties between South Africa and the US have proven to be both durable and resilient,” he said.
There are more than 600 US companies in South Africa. The country is also the second-largest African destination for US exports.
“Both South African and US businesses can see the clear opportunities and commercial gains of investing in each other’s respective markets.”
He emphasised that South Africa is positioning itself as an attractive investment hub, particularly in critical minerals, as global demand rises due to the digital transition and the shift towards net zero.
Opportunities also exist in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology.
“We announced the establishment of the South Africa-United States Trade and Investment Forum, which will be inaugurated at next year’s South Africa Investment Conference as a vital bridge between the two countries,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that these business engagements are running in parallel with official talks aimed at a reciprocal trade agreement.
“Our Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has been meeting with the US Trade Representative to finalise an agreement that benefits both our countries,” he explained.
He also welcomed support from the US Chamber of Commerce for the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which he called the cornerstone of US-Africa commerce.
“Predictable, preferential access to the US market isn’t just vital to South Africa’s own exports, but also to US companies that depend on reliable imports,” Ramaphosa said.
He also stressed the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area as another instrument to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. Looking ahead, Ramaphosa expressed his desire for reciprocity in trade.
“As the presence of US companies on South African soil continues to grow, we want to expand the number of South African companies operating in the US market, thereby creating more jobs for Americans,” he said.
Ramaphosa added that the engagements in the US show that South African and US businesses remain deeply connected and are committed to mutually beneficial partnerships well into the future.
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