President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Niger to participate in the Africa Union Summit which starts on Sunday.
The President is accompanied by International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel.
The Presidency said in a statement that the Summit will mark the entry into force of the Agreement on the Establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area and will formally launch the operational phase of the African Internal Market.
The agreement offers South African businesses the opportunity to expand into new markets in West and North Africa.
Meanwhile, the High Level Ministerial Committee on South Sudan has met on the side-lines of the AU summit in Niger.
The Committee took stock of progress made on the implementation of South Sudan Peace agreement.
Minister Naledi Pandor says the AU will continue to assist South Sudan in finding a lasting solution to the conflict that has led to the displacement of so many people.
