Tinotenda Hove – President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to arrive at the White House at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday for a closely watched bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting is expected to focus on revitalizing trade ties, investment cooperation, and broader diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States.

Chief Diplomat Ronald Lamola, who is part of a quartet of ministers that briefed Ramaphosa ahead of the trip, expressed optimism about the talks. “We’re looking forward to resetting what we describe as a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Lamola.

While speculation swirls about a potential side meeting with tech billionaire Elon Musk, the Presidency has remained tight-lipped. Musk has recently made controversial claims about difficulties in securing a license for his Starlink internet service in South Africa. Despite this, officials say the main focus remains firmly on the bilateral agenda.

Ramaphosa appeared confident and upbeat as he arrived at the South African Embassy in Pretoria for his final briefing. Taking an unplanned moment to address the media, the President emphasized the significance of the visit.

“We’re always ready,” Ramaphosa said. “We hope to have really good discussions with President Trump and his fellow government colleagues. I’m looking forward to a really good and positive meeting. And we’re looking forward to a very good outcome for our country—for our people, for jobs, and for trade relations. We want to normalize relations between our two countries.”

When asked whether economics would be the focal point of the meeting, Ramaphosa responded unequivocally.

“Well, the trade relations—the most important. That’s what has brought us here,” he explained. “We want to come out of the United States with a really good trade deal, investment promotion. We invest in the United States, and they invest in us. We want to strengthen those relations and consolidate good relations between our two countries. So I’m very positive.”

A Packed Agenda

The meeting’s agenda is expected to touch on several pressing global and bilateral issues, including U.S.-Africa trade relations in the context of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), global conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and multilateral engagement through forums like the G20.

South African officials are also hoping to clear up what they describe as “misconceptions” about the country’s domestic laws and policies—issues that have occasionally strained relations with Washington.

Lamola highlighted the importance of inclusivity and constitutional values. “South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. In fact, it is a constitutional imperative,” he said. “The issue of diversity and the theme have been accepted and supported by all G20 members—except the U.S. So we look forward to engaging on this matter even tomorrow for the U.S. to also participate.”

Lamola added, “As a G20 member, we’re heading over to the USA. So it will be good to participate and also for us to be able to hand over.”

The high-stakes meeting is seen as a potential turning point in South Africa–U.S. relations, with economic partnerships and diplomatic cooperation hanging in the balance.