South Africa, US Strengthen Economic Partnership Through Trade Forum Launch

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the creation of a bilateral trade forum with the United States during a New York business dialogue last week, aiming to deepen commercial ties amid ongoing negotiations for a reciprocal trade agreement.

He detailed the plans in his weekly presidential column From The Desk Of The President on Monday, Ramaphosa highlighting engagements with U.S. executives and lawmakers at the U.N. General Assembly sidelines.

Over 600 U.S. firms currently operate in South Africa, which ranks as the second-largest African market for U.S. exports.

The South Africa-U.S. Trade and Investment Forum, set to launch at the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, will focus on expanding cross-sector opportunities in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Suzanne Clark will lead a delegation to November’s B20 Summit in Pretoria, reinforcing what the Chamber’s Africa head Kendra Gaither termed a “foundational” economic relationship.

Pretoria and Washington are finalising trade terms to replace the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which South Africa seeks to renew to safeguard $3 billion in annual exports.

Ramaphosa emphasized reciprocity, pledging to grow South African corporate presence in the U.S. to boost job creation in both nations.

The president noted alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area, framing U.S.-South Africa collaboration as pivotal for continental economic integration. Talks with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s team are expected to conclude by early 2026.