Madrid: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper trade ties, strengthened democratic partnerships, and a more equitable multilateral system at the Spain-South Africa Business Forum during his working visit to the Kingdom of Spain. Addressing delegates at the Business Forum, President Ramaphosa said the visit underscores the shared commitment between the two nations to build a modern, dynamic, and mutually beneficial economic relationship.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President framed his address around trade expansion, democratic values, and the importance of multilateral cooperation, highlighting the steady growth in economic ties between the two countries. In 2025, total trade between South Africa and Spain reached approximately 2.8 billion Euros, with South Africa’s exports to Spain reaching 1.3 billion Euros, a 10 percent increase over the previous year. He emphasized that the relationship between the two economies is complementary rather than competitive, with more than
150 Spanish companies operating in South Africa, supporting over 20,000 jobs across various sectors.
While acknowledging the strength of bilateral trade, the President cautioned that the relationship remains concentrated in a narrow range of exports. Diversification is critical to building resilience, particularly as motor vehicles for the transport of goods account for nearly half of South Africa’s exports to Spain. President Ramaphosa identified critical minerals, green industrialization, and advanced manufacturing as key areas for future cooperation, especially as the global economy transitions to cleaner energy.
Placing the discussion within a broader global context, the President stressed the importance of fair and inclusive rules in international trade and climate governance. He cautioned that emerging regulatory measures, such as the European Union’s carbon border policies, should not disadvantage developing economies. While reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to climate action, he called for stron
ger support mechanisms within global frameworks.
The President used the platform to position South Africa as an attractive investment destination, highlighting a pipeline of 85 projects valued at over 62 billion Euros across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, digital connectivity, and pharmaceuticals. He encouraged Spanish firms to partner with South Africa as long-term collaborators in building industries that support inclusive growth.
Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa underscored the broader significance of the partnership between the two nations, emphasizing the opportunity to connect European technological strength with African growth and build resilient, sustainable, and inclusive supply chains. The President arrived in Spain for a Working Visit and is participating in the In Defence of Democracy Initiative and engaging with political and business leaders to reinforce bilateral relations between South Africa and Spain. He is also scheduled to have an audience with King Felipe VI and
hold a bilateral meeting with President Pedro Sánchez in Barcelona.
