Abidjan: President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the Republic of C´te d’Ivoire. The President was accompanied by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of C´te d’Ivoire, to discuss matters of mutual interest. The two leaders committed to strengthening bilateral ties and increasing trade between their countries. President Ramaphosa also used the Africa CEO Forum as a platform to promote Pan-African trade through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) and align key themes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency with issues of interest for the African continent.

During the forum, the President participated in a panel discussion with his counterparts from Mauritania and Rwanda. The Presidential Panel discussion explored better-coordinated efforts to spearhead Africa’s development. The Africa CEO Forum is the leading platform for CEOs of the largest continental and multinational companies, investors, Heads of State and Government, Ministers, and representatives of financial institutions. Since its launch, the event has served as the place of high-level business meetings where new innovations are showcased and business ideas are exchanged.