South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is heading to Washington this week in an effort to repair strained ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a spokesperson, Ramaphosa's visit will include talks on potential business collaborations involving Tesla and Starlink, two companies led by South African-born entrepreneur Elon Musk. The outreach comes as Trump has taken a critical stance toward South Africa, citing its land reform policies and a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Tariff Reductions and Starlink Access on the Agenda

One potential proposal being considered is the reduction of tariffs on Tesla imports in exchange for investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure across South Africa. Additionally, Ramaphosa is expected to discuss licensing for Musk's satellite company, Starlink, which has faced regulatory hurdles in South Africa due to local Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. Musk previously claimed that these rules were blocking Starlink's entry into the South African market, a charge that local officials have denied.

Economic Stakes for South Africa

The visit marks a critical moment in U.S.-South Africa relations, with economic stakes high for both countries. South Africa's reliance on U.S. markets for agricultural exports makes securing favorable trade terms a priority, while Musk's companies stand to benefit from reduced tariffs and expanded market access if the talks prove successful.