President Ramaphosa Embarks on Key Visits to Ireland and Belgium to Strengthen Trade and Global Ties
Pretoria, 07 October 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa is gearing up for important working visits to Ireland on 08 October 2025 and Belgium on 09 October 2025, aiming to build stronger links in trade, investment, and global cooperation. These trips come at a time when South Africa is keen to grow its economy through closer partnerships with Europe. In Ireland, the President will hold high-level talks to lift relations to a new level, while in Belgium, he will join a major forum on worldwide investments.
This follows recent meetings that have already boosted South Africa’s standing on the world stage. With trade between South Africa and Europe on the rise, these visits could open doors for more jobs and growth back home. As South Africa chairs the G20 this year, the timing is perfect to push for fairer global deals that help developing countries like ours.
The visits highlight South Africa’s push for better economic ties amid challenges like slow growth and high unemployment. By meeting key leaders and business people, Ramaphosa aims to attract more investment in areas like clean energy and skills training. These efforts build on the success of the 8th South Africa-EU Summit in March 2025, which locked in a stronger strategic partnership.
Official Talks in Ireland: From Old Friends to Strategic Partners
On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa will meet Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin for official talks. The focus will be on growing ties in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investment.
“This official visit will consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investment.
“The visit will elevate cooperation to a strategic partnership, creating new opportunities to enhance trade and investment between the two countries, and highlighting South Africa’s strategic partnership with the European Union (EU), of which Ireland is a member,” the Presidency said.
The leaders will also chat about world and regional issues, plus ways to work together on big global stages. Ireland, as an invited guest to the G20 alongside countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and the UAE, shares South Africa’s interest in fair global rules.
During the trip, Ramaphosa will meet top Irish companies to encourage more investment and teamwork. This could lead to new deals in tech, green energy, and education, helping South African firms tap into European markets.
Growing Trade Between South Africa and Ireland
Bilateral trade between South Africa and Ireland grew by 12% to $638 million in 2024 from $567 million in 2023. South Africa increased its exports to Ireland by 40.4%, from $119 million in 2023 to $168 million in 2024. South Africa’s imports from Ireland also grew by 5%, from $448 million in 2023 to $470 million in 2024.
These numbers show a healthy uptick, with South Africa sending more goods like minerals, fruits, and machinery, while bringing in Irish products such as pharmaceuticals and tech equipment. Overall, Ireland’s trade with Africa has hit record highs, with goods at €2.6 billion and services over €6 billion in 2024. Monthly figures for June 2025 show Ireland exporting €21.4 million to South Africa and importing €31.4 million, giving South Africa a positive trade balance of €10 million for that month.
This growth fits into Ireland’s Africa Strategy 2022-2025, which has ramped up trade and political links. Conferences like the one in Dublin in June 2025 spotlighted the huge potential, with total Ireland-Africa trade nearing €9 billion a year and climbing.
A Bond Built on History and Shared Values
A historically significant relationship, rooted in mutual respect and common values, binds the two countries. Ireland’s principled stance in support of the anti-apartheid movement exemplified this bond, reflecting its deep commitment to human rights and social justice.
“The ongoing collaboration between the two countries shows how important working together is to address shared challenges and to foster understanding and cooperation for a more harmonious future,” the Presidency said.
Ireland stood firmly with South Africa during tough times, offering support through aid, education exchanges, and political backing. Today, that friendship shows in joint projects on renewable energy, research, and fighting poverty. Visits like this one keep that spirit alive, turning past solidarity into future wins for both nations.
Working Visit to Belgium: Spotlight on Global Investments
At the invitation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will participate in the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium, from 9 to 10 October 2025.
The European Union’s Global Gateway initiative serves as its external investment strategy, aimed at enhancing smart, clean, and secure connections across digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems worldwide.
Led by President von der Leyen, the GGF brings together Heads of State and Government, senior representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries.
Building on the success of the inaugural forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity amid growing geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, are expected to attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate.
The second edition of the forum builds on big announcements, like the EU’s €545 million package for expanding renewables in Africa, including hydropower. This ties into broader Global Gateway efforts, with a €4.7 billion investment package flagged for South Africa to support clean energy transitions, vaccines, and more.
The visit to Brussels follows recent engagements between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as well as the successful 8th South Africa–EU Summit, held in March 2025.
The summit reaffirmed the strong Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. As a bloc, the EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner, as well as an important development cooperation partner.
At the summit, Europe and South Africa kicked off talks on a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, aiming for greener trade and more investment in raw materials and clean energy. This new deal could reshape ties, making them more sustainable and fair.
Strong Support from Europe for South Africa’s G20 Role
Europe is throwing its weight behind South Africa to make its G20 presidency a hit. As the first African nation to lead the group, South Africa is pushing for changes in global finance, like debt relief and better funding for poor countries. Ireland and the EU see this as a chance to team up on big issues like climate change and fair trade.
Delegation and Parallel Efforts
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela; and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, along with senior government officials.
While Ramaphosa focuses on Europe, Deputy President Paul Mashatile is heading to Sudan to help with political talks there, showing South Africa’s busy role in world affairs.
These visits could spark new deals and investments, helping South Africa tackle its economic woes and build a brighter future. By strengthening these partnerships, the country aims to create more opportunities for its people in a fast-changing world.
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