President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Europe this week and will lead South Africa’s delegation to the Global Gateway Forum of the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Belgium. His visit comes as Pretoria looks to deepen trade and investment links with Europe amidst tense relations with the United States.

After concluding an official visit to Ireland, Ramaphosa arrived in Brussels at the invitation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Yesterday, he delivered the forum’s opening address on: “Advancing Global Connectivity in the Face of Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Challenges” and met with European heads of state, government officials, and major business leaders.

The Global Gateway Forum is part of the EU’s €300 billion investment plan to boost partnerships in energy, transport, digital networks, and education across Africa and other regions. South Africa’s engagement is aimed at attracting new investment and reinforcing its partnership with Europe ahead of a G20 Leaders’ Summit next month. The EU remains South Africa’s largest regional trading partner, with exports rising from R203 billion in 2016 to R370 billion in 2024, while imports grew from R308 billion to R427 billion over the same period.

Ramaphosa’s European visit takes place amid growing diplomatic strain with the United States over Pretoria’s stance on Russia, Iran, and Israel, as well as policy moves to expand state control at home.