President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with fellow African nations is central to achieving lasting economic stability for South Africa. Speaking at a political gathering in the Northern Cape, Ramaphosa underscored the strategic importance of pan-African unity in rebuilding economies, fostering regional collaboration, and positioning the continent for long-term development.
Delivering his remarks in his capacity as African National Congress (ANC) president, Ramaphosa addressed members of the ANC’s Northern Cape provincial executive committee during their induction at the Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre in Kimberley on Friday.
He emphasised that South Africa’s economic recovery and growth cannot be isolated from broader continental cooperation. “We must intensify our efforts to build stronger partnerships with our fellow African countries. This is not only about economic gain but also about political solidarity, peace, and sustainable development,” said Ramaphosa.
Earlier in the week, President Ramaphosa had participated in the Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The forum brought together African heads of state, ministers, and business leaders to focus on the role of the private sector in driving Africa’s economic growth and transformation. During the forum, Ramaphosa consistently advocated for deeper regional integration, urging African nations to collaborate more closely in trade, infrastructure development, and policy alignment.
Ramaphosa Highlights African Partnerships as Key to South Africa’s Economic Revival
“The Africa CEO Forum provided a clear indication that the future of our economies lies in greater regional collaboration and increased private-sector participation,” Ramaphosa said. “The political leadership must create the right conditions for trade, investment, and innovation to thrive.”
He added that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a flagship initiative of the African Union, offers immense opportunities for economic expansion. “We must take full advantage of the AfCFTA to remove barriers that inhibit trade and cooperation. This initiative can be a game-changer for Africa, and South Africa is ready to play its part,” he noted.
At the Kimberley event, Ramaphosa urged ANC members and leaders to play a more proactive role in enhancing South Africa’s continental relations. He stated that diplomacy and international cooperation should not be left solely to national government institutions but must be supported at all levels of governance and party leadership.
“How we raise our economic fortunes is linked to how we strengthen relations with our sister countries on the continent, but also beyond,” Ramaphosa said. “The ANC remains committed to Africa’s renaissance and to ensuring that our foreign policy reflects our commitment to African unity and development.”
Ramaphosa also pointed out that forging stronger relations with African countries goes hand in hand with expanding South Africa’s trade footprint across the continent. With Africa’s population expected to double by 2050 and a growing middle class, the continent offers significant opportunities for South African businesses.
However, Ramaphosa acknowledged that while the vision for African economic integration is clear, there are still considerable challenges that need to be addressed. These include infrastructure gaps, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and political instability in some regions. Despite these hurdles, he expressed confidence that through collaboration and mutual support, African nations can overcome these obstacles.
He also highlighted the need to address youth unemployment and to prioritise skills development as part of economic growth strategies. “Africa’s youth must be equipped to be the drivers of our economic transformation,” Ramaphosa said.
The president reiterated the vital role of the private sector in achieving the continent’s economic goals. He encouraged South African business leaders to seek opportunities across Africa and to invest in partnerships that contribute to shared prosperity. “We need our business community to see Africa not just as a market, but as a partner,” Ramaphosa said.
He concluded by calling for renewed political will and leadership across the continent, saying, “As leaders, we have the responsibility to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose. Africa’s time is now, and we must seize the moment.”
President Ramaphosa’s renewed call for stronger African relations reflects the ANC’s broader foreign policy agenda of promoting continental unity and economic integration. As South Africa continues to navigate a complex economic landscape, Ramaphosa believes that building robust African partnerships will be essential not just for national recovery, but for the collective advancement of the continent.
His message in Kimberley and at the Africa CEO Forum is clear: South Africa’s economic future is inseparable from that of Africa, and Ramaphosa is committed to ensuring that the country plays a central role in shaping a united, prosperous African continent.
Source- EWN
