Ramaphosa in Switzerland to Strengthen Trade, Culture, and Skills Ties

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Switzerland for a two-day State Visit at the invitation of Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, marking a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, deepening economic cooperation, and exploring new frontiers in science, culture, and youth development.

The President landed at Zurich International Airport early this morning, where he was warmly received by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, South African Ambassador to Switzerland Phaswana Moloto, and Ambassador Terrence Billeter representing the Swiss Confederation.

Deepening Bilateral Cooperation Across Key Sectors

This visit is an important platform to strengthen long-standing relations between South Africa and Switzerland, particularly in light of South Africa's upcoming G20 Presidency in 2025. According to the Presidency, the talks aim to foster inclusive growth, technological innovation, and mutual cultural exchange between the two nations.

President Ramaphosa is expected to hold formal discussions with President Keller-Sutter on Tuesday, where they will address:

• Trade and investment cooperation

• Youth skills development

• Scientific research and innovation

• Peace mediation and democratic governance

• Multilateral cooperation within the G20 framework

Two key agreements will be signed:

1. A Cooperation Agreement in Arts, Culture and Heritage, designed to boost cultural diplomacy and institutional collaborations between South African and Swiss arts sectors.

2. A Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Peace Mediation and Democracy Resilience, aimed at strengthening joint efforts in conflict resolution, multilateral diplomacy, and governance support.

Cultural Diplomacy: Return of Nkuna Royal Family Artefacts

A notable highlight of the visit is the repatriation of heritage artefacts belonging to the Nkuna Royal Family from Switzerland back to South Africa. This symbolic gesture reflects the growing commitment to restorative justice, heritage preservation, and cultural reconciliation.

The return of these cultural items further deepens people-to-people ties and promotes the shared historical narrative between the two countries.

Focus on Vocational Education and Youth Skills

On Thursday, Presidents Ramaphosa and Keller-Sutter will visit a vocational education and training (VET) school in eastern Switzerland, recognised for its excellence in dual education and apprenticeship-based learning.

The visit will showcase:

• Practical training facilities and workshops

• Innovation-driven learning spaces

• Successful public-private partnership models in education

The goal is to draw lessons that can support South Africa's efforts to equip its youth with future-ready skills, especially in the context of digital transformation and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

Business Engagement: Expanding Trade and Investment Ties

President Ramaphosa will also meet with Swiss business leaders, promoting South Africa as an investment destination and exploring opportunities across sectors such as:

• Renewable energy and green technologies

• Automotive and advanced manufacturing

• Pharmaceuticals and health innovation

• Agribusiness and wine exports

• Digital infrastructure and fintech

Switzerland is a major European economic partner for South Africa. According to official trade figures:

• In 2024, total trade stood at R18.2 billion, with R5.7 billion in exports and R12.5 billion in imports.

• However, when gold exports are factored in — included in Swiss statistics — total trade between the two nations reaches an impressive R159.5 billion, placing Switzerland as South Africa's 6th largest trading partner.

South Africa's exports to Switzerland primarily include:

• Precious metals and stones (particularly gold)

• Wine, fruit, and nuts

• Machinery and base metals

Imports from Switzerland include:

• Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment

• Industrial machinery

• Precision instruments and chemicals

High-Level Delegation and Strategic Partnerships

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by several Cabinet ministers and senior officials, reinforcing the multi-sectoral focus of the visit:

• Professor Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation

• Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training

• Zuko Godlimpi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

Their presence signals South Africa's intention to strengthen ties in research cooperation, educational exchange, trade policy, and skills development.

Strategic Significance of the Visit

This State Visit not only reaffirms South Africa's diplomatic ties with Switzerland but also comes at a pivotal moment as South Africa prepares to assume the G20 Presidency. With shared values in democracy, innovation, and sustainable development, the visit is expected to generate lasting partnerships across culture, economy, and global governance.

"This engagement promotes mutually beneficial cooperation and inclusive growth," the Presidency stated, underlining the broader vision for South Africa's global partnerships.

The visit will conclude on Thursday, 30 October 2025, following the site visits and concluding meetings.