Johannesburg. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to other BRICS countries to assist in the industrialization of the countries of the African continent. He said the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) is creating massive opportunities for trade, investment and industrial development and the continent is looking for partners to further unlock the potential of its 1.3 billion people. “The success of ACFTA requires substantial investment in infrastructure,” Ramaphosa said at the ‘BRICS Business Forum’ held in the Russian city of Kazan.
Therefore, we appeal to the BRICS countries to join us in building roads, import-export ports, rail, energy and telecommunication networks, so that Africa can industrialize and trade with other countries around the world. “Africa has a young, digitally connected population and is rapidly urbanising,” she said, urging the group to support women-owned and small businesses. Investment in skills development is increasing in Africa.
Hailing the BRICS Business Forum for achieving its objective of expanding and diversifying trade and investment, Ramaphosa said the grouping has the potential to bring about significant changes in the global economy and international relations. The constituent nations of BRICS are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. He said, “South Africa is ready to play its role in realizing the economic potential of BRICS.
