South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to explore potential business opportunities for Elon Musk’s companies during his official visit to Washington this week, according to his spokesperson. The trip forms part of a broader effort to improve diplomatic relations with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Relations between South Africa and the United States have become strained during Trump’s second term, amid criticism of South Africa’s land reform policies and its recent genocide case against Israel, a key U.S. ally, at the International Court of Justice. In February, the Trump administration cut funding to South Africa, and recently granted refugee status to a group of white South Africans, alleging racial discrimination, a claim that the South African government denies.
President Ramaphosa and President Trump are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, with South African officials preparing a trade proposal intended to reset bilateral ties. One such proposal could involve Tesla, led by Musk, a close ally and adviser to Trump, receiving favourable tariffs on imports into South Africa in return for investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, confirmed the matter could be discussed during the visit.
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Licensing for Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, is also expected to feature in discussions. While Musk has previously claimed that Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa on the basis of his racial background, South African officials have refuted this, stating that Starlink has not applied for a licence. The country’s telecommunications regulator emphasised that the exclusion was not linked to Black Economic Empowerment regulations, which require foreign-owned telecom licencees to sell 30 per cent equity to historically disadvantaged groups.
Accompanying President Ramaphosa is Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who is keen to secure trade benefits for South African farmers during the visit.
This diplomatic engagement signals South Africa’s intent to strengthen economic ties with the United States amid ongoing political and trade challenges.
