What did Cyril Ramaphosa achieve at the G7 summit this weekend?

For the first time in seven years, South Africa’s head of state was invited to the G7 summit and Cyril Ramaphosa was in the mood to make up for lost time in Canada.

“Ramaphoria” may be slowing down a bit in South Africa – a weakening rand and contracting economy in the last quarter has cut his honeymoon period short – but he seems to be unperturbed, carrying on his serious business abroad.

Ramaphosa held key bilateral talks with some of the biggest leaders in the world, continued his investment drive for South Africa and even lead the charge for creating a sustainable ocean economy. Let’s just say, he had a better weekend than Trump:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a new interview Sunday that the European Union (EU) would follow Canada’s move and forge ahead with its plan to implement counter-measures to President Trump’s tariffs. @washingtonpost @Lawrence @funder @RepMaxineWaters @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/0JsBeZJ6Zs

— backdoordraft (@backdoordrafts) June 11, 2018

Ramaphosa gets down to business

Ramaphosa met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel – who he confirmed would be making a state visit to South Africa later this year.

He was able to discuss investment strategy and the strengthening of bilateral trade agreements with his international counterparts.

Had an opportunity to meet with the host, Canadian Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau. Canada is an important strategic partner and source of investment for our country. #G7Charlesvoix pic.twitter.com/O9ghkKJsEa

— President Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 10, 2018

President Cyril Ramaphosa engaging in a bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada pic.twitter.com/WJ8KjxxTZH

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) June 10, 2018

President Cyril Ramaphosa in a bilateral meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada pic.twitter.com/ischb6FXSP

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) June 10, 2018

What did Cyril Ramaphosa do at the G7 summit?

The South African government’s official Twitter page released a summary of what Cyril Ramaphosa and his team had achieved during the summit.

The president spent much of his time engaging with world business leaders, outlining the need for foreign investment to grow our economy.

Ramaphosa described these meetings as a “wonderful exchange of views” and confirmed there is a renewed interest in South Africa as an investment destination.

On a more environmental note, the president was also there to address the serious damage being done to the planet’s oceans. A drive to cut down on plastics has begun in certain South African supermarkets, as businesses begin to implement more sustainable working strategies.

“The Ocean Economy” became one of Ramaphosa’s focal points. He also held talks with leaders of other countries – such as The Maldives and Vietnam – who are reliant on their coastlines for economic growth.

In fact, South Africa’s head of state sees this as a golden opportunity to unlock the potential of the industry, stating that “one million jobs” could be created to tackle the scourge of sea pollution:

President Ramaphosa is confident that preserving and opening up the ocean economy has a potential to create approximately one million jobs from various activities including shipbuilding, sea transportation, aquaculture and exploration of oil and gas. #G7Summit

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 10, 2018