President Cyril Ramaphosa is continuing in the bid to strengthen ties with the United States. He was in New York this week, having met with members of the US Chamber of Commerce and other dignitaries at the SA-USA Trade and Investment Dialogue on Wednesday.

During his address, Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa’s relationship with the US is crucial, particularly in fostering more investment for the country, adding that he would ensure local businesses are present in the US.

In his keynote address at the SA-USA Trade and Investment Dialogue, Ramaphosa underlined the importance of the partnership.

“I wish to begin by acknowledging the depth of the partnership between South Africa and the United States… This is a relationship defined not only by diplomacy but by the practical ties of trade, investment and shared innovation.”

Highlighting the extent of US involvement in South Africa, Ramaphosa said more than 600 US companies are already invested and operating successfully in South Africa.

“They are invested in areas as diverse as aerospace, mining and energy, consumer goods and finance.”

However, he did not shy away from challenges, noting that “new challenges have emerged in our trade relationship, not least the reciprocal tariffs recently imposed on South African exports. These measures have already disrupted supply chains and created uncertainty”.

Ramaphosa appealed for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), stressing that its expiry would undermine key industries.

“AGOA has been the foundation of US-Africa trade for nearly a quarter of a century,” he said, adding that predictable access to the US market was “vital not only to South Africa but to American companies who depend on reliable imports.”

Looking ahead, Ramaphosa urged greater collaboration in green energy, digital innovation and healthcare, reaffirming his drive to deepen US-South Africa ties for “inclusive prosperity”.

🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa participates in the South Africa-USA Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue #InvestSA 🇿🇦 https://t.co/WfVIpT0oVl

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) September 24, 2025