In bid to strengthen ties, Ramaphosa set to meet Japanese industry, business leaders at summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Japan on Tuesday, on a ticket for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit.
President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with Masanori Katayama, the chairperson and CEO of Isuzu Motor Corporation, on the margins of the 9th TICAD Summit held at The Westin in Yokohama, Japan on 20 August 2025. Picture: @PresidencyZA/X
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to lead a high-level delegation in Japan on Wednesday, as African leaders look to strengthen ties.
Ramaphosa arrived in Japan on Tuesday, on a ticket for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit.
He’s also joined by a high-level business delegation.
The summit kicks off in Yokohama on Wednesday.
President Ramaphosa is expected to meet with captains of Japanese industry and business.
Japan is one of South Africa's major economic partners, with sizeable investments in the South African economy, with more than R90 billion in investments.
The total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 was R132 billion, with South Africa recording a trade surplus of R52 billion.
Part of the president’s messaging to parliamentarians, business and developmental agencies in Japan is on the importance of increasing investments into women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as an imperative for peace and security.
Five ministers, including Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, deputy minister of health, Joe Phaahla, and senior government officials, are part of Ramaphosa’s delegation.