Doha, Qatar – President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized South Africa’s economic strengths and investment opportunities during a two-day state visit to Qatar. Addressing the Qatar-South Africa Business Roundtable in Doha, President Ramaphosa highlighted the country’s well-established industrial base, growing market access, and vast resources of critical minerals.
“South Africa is Africa’s most industrialized economy with well-established companies,” President Ramaphosa stated. “Many of these companies are active in the Middle East and Qatar.”
📸 His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa at the Amiri Diwani Palace for the Welcome Ceremony hosted in his honour by His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
The President is on a State Visit to the State of Qatar on invitation by the Amir.… pic.twitter.com/N5NUlyXkiP
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 15, 2023The President also highlighted South Africa’s expanding market access, citing free trade agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom, imminent implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, preferential access to the US market under AGOA, and access to certain Latin American markets.
President Ramaphosa emphasized the continent’s wealth of critical minerals, noting Qatar’s expertise in petrochemicals, natural gas, and energy infrastructure. He encouraged Qatari companies to partner with South Africa in its just energy transition.
Media Engagement on Qatari State Visit https://t.co/hGUSy7cr45
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) November 15, 2023Furthermore, the President highlighted South Africa’s ongoing economic reforms, including restructuring the energy market, improving Eskom’s financial position, and promoting private energy generation. He also emphasized the country’s stable legal system, strong property rights protections, deep capital market, and growing skilled workforce.
His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa accompanied by Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Minister Thoko Didiza, visited the Doha Horticultural Expo during his state visit to Qatar. pic.twitter.com/ShSpcnNygJ
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 15, 2023President Ramaphosa invited Qatari investors to partner with South Africa in various sectors, including agro-processing, automotive, aquaculture, manufacturing, hydrocarbons, infrastructure, hospitality, and tourism.
“South Africa is keen to deepen our bilateral relationship with Qatar,” President Ramaphosa declared. “I invite Qatar to join us in developing a portfolio of South African investments that your sovereign wealth fund and your private sector can participate in.”
His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa concludes his visit to the State of Qatar as hosted by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.#SAinQatar 🇿🇦🇶🇦#BetterAfricaBetterWorld 🌍 pic.twitter.com/jM9sVCUuah
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 15, 2023