President Cyril Ramaphosa will be visiting four West African countries this week in an effort to promote South Africa’s economic recovery in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his letter to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa says his visits to Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal are aimed at giving renewed attention to promoting trade and investment with countries on the continent.

This forms part of the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of bringing about African economic integration.

Ramaphosa says Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal are countries that South Africa has strategic partnerships with and where a number of South African businesses operate.

He says the visits will be aimed at exploring how to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand the footprint of South African companies on the continent.

Ramaphosa says in addition to government officials and Ministers, he will be accompanied by business people representing sectors such as manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Below is the president’s letter: