May 19, 2025; (This has been updated with quotes from a South African spokesperson)
During their official meeting at the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump plans to raise safety concerns issues with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa about the well-being and safety of white Afrikaner farmers who allege they face persecution and economic injustice in South Africa, a Senior White House Official told the Africa Bazaar magazine on Monday.
The South African government has denied these allegations made by the Afrikaners.
The allegations, which have evolved into controversial and complex issues, stemmed from historical grievances, perceived discrimination, and so-called state-sponsored persecutions, following the South African government’s implementation of new land redistribution policies under its Land Expropriation Act that seek to redress historical economic imbalances that occurred during the apartheid era when black South Africans were forcefully displaced from their lands and home by White settlers.
In February, Trump issued a new executive order granting Afrikaners preferred refugee status along with US citizenships through an expedited immigration process, which some people view as hypocrisy given the administration’s hardline on immigration.
Last week, the Trump administration welcomed the first group of 49 Afrikaners to the U.S., under the President’s Executive Order.
The controversial issues have also garnered significant international attention and debates about the validity of the claims and whether or not the U.S. government should have granted them refugee status and citizenships while excluding other nationals living in extremely dire situations in war-torn countries like Sudan and South Sudan or facing much worse oppression and discrimination.
The Senior White House Official also told Africa Bazaar the two leaders will also discuss bilateral trade, tariffs negotiation, the G20 summit, and other geopolitical issues of mutual interests, including Israel, Russia, and Ukraine.
South Africa is the largest US trading partner in Africa and the gateway to the continent for many American businesses seeking investments and commercial opportunities on the continent. It is also a preferred destination for American tourists. According to data, US total trade with South Africa in 2024 was $20.5 billion, with exports of goods to South Africa amounting to $5.8 billion, while imports from South Africa to the US were $14.7 billion.
Ramaphosa’s visit to the White House marks the first African Head of State to visit the White House under the Trump Administration 2.0. It comes as the administration looks to level up US commercial ties with African nations.
Last week, the administration unveiled its new Commercial Strategy for Africa, a six actions plan that aims to prioritize and break down trade barriers, open doors for American companies on the ground in Africa, build on US-Africa partnerships, streamline diplomatic engagement, and refocus efforts on opportunity zones countries.
“The Administration’s goal here is clear: to increase U.S. exports and investment in Africa, eliminate our trade deficits, and drive mutual prosperity,” Ambassador Troy Fotrell, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of African Affairs at the U.S. State Department announced during remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce event in Abidjan.
‘We’ve heard American businesses loud and clear: U.S. government resources are often too slow, too fragmented, and too siloed to compete effectively with global competitors like China and Russia. This is all changing under the Trump Administration. We no longer see Africa as a continent in need of handouts but as a capable commercial partner. “Trade, not aid,” a slogan we’ve seen thrown around for years, is now truly our policy for Africa – a shift I know you have long sought and one that I am committed to strengthening. Because assistance involves a donor and a recipient, but commerce is an exchange between equals,” Foretell said.
Indeed, commerce is an exchange between equals and one that the South African government is counting on as it engages with President Trump at the White House on Wednesday.
“This meeting is about refocusing our trade relationship. We will still like to see AGOA extenders and see South Africa’s continued participation in AGOA. However, if the Trump administration has decided to do away with the scheme, we will then be ready to table an outline of what will be a new trade relationship framework,” Vincent Magwenya, South Africa spokesperson told reporters on Monday.
President Ramaphosa arrived in Washington D.C. today.
Accompanying him to the White House on Wednesday are senior Cabinet members, including Mr. Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Ntshavheri, Minister in the South African presidency, Mr. Park Tau, Minster of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Steenhulsen, Minister of Agriculture and Mr. Jonas, Special Envoy to the US.
