Africa does not need aid – South African president

Cyril Ramaphosa has said the continent is seeking partners who understand sustainable development and mutual industrialization

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on global partners, particularly Japan, to shift from aid-based engagement to investment-focused collaboration with Africa.

Speaking at the plenary session on the economy at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), Ramaphosa said Africa is ready to shape its future amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

”Africa is not seeking aid. It is seeking partners. Partners that understand value co-creation, sustainable development, and mutual industrialisation,” he said, drawing strong reactions from delegates attending the high-level summit.

Ramaphosa stressed that Africa, and South Africa in particular, is responding to global economic uncertainties, the transformation of trade patterns, and the rise of new industrial revolutions with bold reform and strategic intent. He outlined how South Africa was modernising its economy to attract and sustain foreign investment.

”We have stabilised our energy supply and are modernising our infrastructure. We are opening ports and rail to private sector investment,” he said, noting that these reforms are aimed at supporting South Africa’s re-industrialisation agenda centred on localisation, green energy, and regional integration.

Africa is not seeking aid. It is seeking partners. Partners that understand value co-creation, sustainable development and mutual industrialisation.#TICAD9 pic.twitter.com/wXX0yif9lH

— Cyril Ramaphosa