By Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a successful working visit to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, where he participated in the 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum and engaged in high-level bilateral discussions to deepen economic and diplomatic ties.
The visit centred on bolstering South Africa’s regional partnerships, promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and advancing African priorities under South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
During the Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan on Monday, Ramaphosa joined fellow heads of state from Rwanda and Mauritania in a presidential panel that called for stronger collaboration between African governments and the private sector to drive sustainable development.
“The AfCFTA is an engine of growth. We would like the private sector to follow in tandem with the public sector, and to embrace the AfCFTA and be active participants,” Ramaphosa said.
He stressed the importance of infrastructure investment, especially in transport and logistics, to make intra-African trade a reality, and noted efforts to “de-risk” major projects to make them more attractive for private investment.
“The public sector is working to de-risk a number of these projects through sovereign financial systems,” he explained.
The forum also provided a platform for Ramaphosa to promote the theme of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, namely “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”, while reinforcing Africa’s growing voice on the global stage.
He welcomed the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent G20 member and expressed optimism about Africa’s ability to shape global economic discussions.
“We are particularly pleased that our continent as a whole, through the AU, is now a member and will be participating fully. This ensures our priorities are placed at the centre of global discourse,” he said.
On the political front, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, with the leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding trade and investment between the two countries.
Regional peace was also a priority, with Ramaphosa voicing strong support for African-led efforts in resolving the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“African solutions for African problems remain our guiding principle. We are in charge of the future of this continent, and we must build peace ourselves,” he said.
Responding to questions about the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s inclusive approach.
While he noted that final confirmation from key leaders like United States President Donald Trump was still pending, he emphasised the importance of consensus and continuity.
“We hope everything will unfold in a seamless and well-managed manner,” he stated.
Looking ahead, South Africa is set to host the 14th edition of the Africa CEO Forum in 2027, marking another milestone in its efforts to promote pan-African development and international collaboration.
Ramaphosa was accompanied by senior Cabinet ministers, including Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Deputy Trade Minister Zuko Godlimpi.
INSIDE POLITICS