Ramaphosa seeks deeper trade ties with Ireland on official visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa is on an official working visit to Ireland, where he is seeking to elevate bilateral ties and deepen trade between the two nations.

The Head of State and his deputy, Paul Mashatile, are currently engaged in a drive to woo investors.

South Africa is Ireland's largest trading partner in Africa, with primary imports including aircraft, data processing machinery, and pharmaceutical products.

Ramaphosa noted that bilateral trade between the countries grew by 12% to $638 million in 2024, up from more than $500 million the previous year.

The President highlighted the strong cultural links and investment flows between the two nations.

“According to the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria, South Africa imported approximately 46 million Euros of Irish whiskey last year,” Ramaphosa said.

“This is one of the many Irish traditions that we South Africans cherish and celebrate. A number of South African companies have investments in Ireland, just as several Irish companies have an established presence in our country. We are keen to strengthen and deepen these ties and to build links between Ireland and the African continent more broadly.”

Furthermore, Ireland is participating in the upcoming G20 summit as one of South Africa's invited guests, alongside Nigeria, Egypt, and the UAE.

Ramaphosa stressed the need for global collaboration.

“We are pleased that Ireland is actively participating in the G20 as a guest country,” he stated. “For the G20 to retain its relevance in today’s turbulent world, it must address issues of development, debt sustainability, climate action, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”