President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to the UK – the first state visit since King Charles ascended to the throne in September – ended with Britain and South Africa strengthening trade, investment and tourism ties.

Addressing the Houses of Parliament yesterday, Ramaphosa said: “Over the last three decades, this has been a story of trade, investment, tourism, sport, education, art, science and innovation. We therefore see this visit as an opportunity to celebrate our modern relationship, as equal partners, working together for the prosperity and security of our people.”

The United Kingdom is the largest foreign investor in South Africa and the country’s fifth-largest export destination. Ramaphosa highlighted that, over the last two decades, the UK had been South Africa’s largest source of international tourism numbers outside of Africa.

He welcomed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement that the UK and South Africa would join forces to drive economic growth and “turbocharge” infrastructure investment.

Sunak said South Africa was the African continent’s second-largest economy and was already the UK’s biggest trading partner in Africa, with trade worth £10.7 billion annually.

“I look forward to deepening the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence,” the Prime Minister said.

Infrastructure development

The next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership was supporting South Africa’s economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies to projects worth up to £5.37bn over the next three years. 

This includes investment in green energy, including six solar plants, and skills development in the energy arena.

South African businesses, including travel and tourism businesses, have been heavily impacted by major electricity blackouts due to inefficient and outdated power infrastructure.

"This is a reinforcement of the strong bilateral relationship that we have with South Africa, a real opportunity to build on that close working relationship and discuss some of the issues that affect us all," said Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly.

“The UK’s relationship with South Africa is hugely important to us. Together we are working to deliver for the British and South African people, creating jobs, enhancing trade and investment, and boosting inclusive economic growth.”

Landing in London on Monday (November 21), Ramaphosa was officially greeted by Charles’ eldest son and heir, The Duke of Wales, Prince William and his wife Kate, at a central London hotel to mark the start of his two-day trip.

Gun salutes and a ceremonial welcome from the king and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, followed before a grand carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where a banquet was held in the president’s honour.