President Ramaphosa To Advance Trade Relations During Working Visits to Ireland and Belgium

President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a two-nation working visit to Ireland and Belgium this week, aimed at strengthening South Africa’s trade, investment, and strategic relations with Europe. The visits, scheduled for 08 October in Ireland and 09–10 October in Belgium, underscore South Africa’s commitment to deepening international partnerships that drive inclusive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

Strengthening Ties with Ireland

On Wednesday, 08 October 2025, President Ramaphosa will hold official talks in Dublin with President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The visit seeks to consolidate the long-standing and robust relations between South Africa and Ireland, built on shared values of democracy, human rights, and social justice.

Ireland’s historic support for the anti-apartheid movement remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The two nations now look to the future—expanding cooperation in science, innovation, higher education, skills development, and trade.

The visit is expected to elevate South Africa–Ireland relations to a strategic partnership, unlocking new opportunities for investment and collaboration while reinforcing South Africa’s ties with the European Union (EU), of which Ireland is a member.

Bilateral trade between the two countries continues to grow steadily. In 2024, trade volumes increased by 12% to US$638 million, up from US$567 million in 2023. South Africa’s exports to Ireland rose by 40.4%, from US$119 million to US$168 million, while imports grew by 5%, from US$448 million to US$470 million over the same period.

During the visit, President Ramaphosa will also engage with leading Irish companies to promote investment opportunities in South Africa, particularly in technology, renewable energy, education, and agro-processing sectors.

Ireland’s participation as an invited guest country to the G20—alongside Nigeria, Egypt, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and the UAE—further highlights its growing influence in global economic dialogue and alignment with Africa’s development agenda.

Engaging Europe Through the Global Gateway Forum

Following the Ireland leg, President Ramaphosa will travel to Brussels, Belgium, where he will attend the Global Gateway Forum (GGF) on 09–10 October 2025 at the invitation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Global Gateway is the EU’s flagship external investment strategy designed to build smart, clean, and secure infrastructure links in digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening global health, education, and research systems.

The forum convenes Heads of State and Government, senior representatives from international financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to explore innovative strategies for scaling up sustainable European investments in partner countries.

This year’s GGF, themed around advancing global connectivity amid geopolitical and geo-economic shifts, builds on the momentum of the inaugural forum held in 2023. Delegates from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, along with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, are expected to participate. A high-level South African business delegation will also join the discussions to showcase investment opportunities and partnerships under the Global Gateway framework.

The Brussels visit follows President Ramaphosa’s recent engagements with President von der Leyen on the sidelines of UNGA80 in New York and the 8th South Africa–EU Summit held in March 2025. The summit reaffirmed the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the EU—its largest trade, investment, and development cooperation partner.

High-Level Government Accompaniment

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by:

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande

Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr. Buti Manamela

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi

Senior government officials and representatives from the business community will also form part of the delegation, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding South Africa’s global economic footprint and fostering innovation-driven partnerships.

Building a Future of Shared Prosperity

President Ramaphosa’s visits to Ireland and Belgium mark a significant step in advancing South Africa’s international cooperation agenda. By reinforcing ties with strategic European partners, South Africa continues to position itself as a key player in the global economy—championing collaboration, connectivity, and shared prosperity.