President Ramaphosa in Côte d’Ivoire for Africa CEO Forum and bilateral engagements

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for a Working Visit at the invitation of President Alassane Ouattara.

The visit coincides with the opening of the 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, taking place on Monday, May 12, 2025, and May 13, 2025.

The visit highlights South Africa’s efforts to deepen economic partnerships across the continent and reinforce ties with one of its key strategic allies in West Africa.

The Presidency says the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing South Africa’s economic interests on the continent.

“The President’s Working Visit will consolidate existing bilateral relations between the two countries,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Ramaphosa is accompanied on the visit by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe and Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

This year’s Forum is being held under the theme: “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”

A theme which Magwenya said “resonates with the current priorities of the African Continent, which seek to promote closer cooperation between the private sector and public sector in infrastructure and industrial development.”

Magwenya emphasised the broader purpose of the President’s participation: “The President’s participation at the Africa CEO Forum will provide South Africa with an opportunity to consolidate its position as one of the leading investment destinations on the continent.”

He further noted that “South Africa’s G20 Presidency will further enhance the country’s visibility at the Forum.”

The Africa CEO Forum, described by the Presidency as “the leading platform for CEOs of the largest continental and multinational companies, investors, Heads of State and Government, Ministers and representatives of financial institutions,” offers an opportunity for dialogue, innovation and investment partnerships.

South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire have seen a strengthening of ties in recent years. As Magwenya noted, “President Ramaphosa undertook a successful high-level State Visit to Côte d’Ivoire” in 2021, followed by “a reciprocal State Visit to South Africa” by President Ouattara in 2022.

''Several South African companies have since expanded their presence in Côte d’Ivoire, including  MTN, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Nedbank, Debonairs Pizza, Stanbic, Investec, Rand Merchant Bank, Absa, Multichoice, Sanlam, Solenta Aviation and Carrick Wealth,'' he said. 

On the sidelines of the Forum, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, in collaboration with BrandSA, will host an “Invest South Africa” session to promote the country’s investment opportunities.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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