Theressia Silalahi, Jakarta – Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka called for deeper economic ties with Africa during the Indonesia – Africa CEO Forum 2025 in Johannesburg, where he conveyed warm greetings from President Prabowo Subianto and highlighted plans to expand investment and mobility between the two regions.
Speaking at the Saxon Hotel on Friday, Gibran said Presidents Prabowo and Cyril Ramaphosa had agreed to implement a mutual visa-free travel scheme, a move he described as "good news" that would strengthen bilateral and business connectivity. "No more visas needed," he told participants, emphasizing that the new policy would ease travel and promote commercial links.
Gibran underscored Indonesia's commitment to increasing its investment footprint in South Africa, calling the country a "strategic partner and gateway to the African market." He said Indonesia stood ready to support Africa's development, noting the continent's rapid growth and rising global importance.
Indonesia, he added, is offering its industrial capacity, skilled workforce, manufacturing networks, and access to the ASEAN market as part of its wider international cooperation strategy. He also welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on strategic industries, saying the agreement would deliver "significant mutual benefits."
The forum gathered key business and government leaders, including South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mtho Xulu. The Indonesian delegation consisted of Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Kadin Indonesia executive Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Djiwandono, and Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir.
Gibran's visit comes ahead of the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa on Nov. 22-23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. Representing President Prabowo, he will address global leaders on Indonesia's positions regarding sustainable growth, trade and financial systems, climate resilience, energy transition, food security, and critical minerals, issues that will dominate the summit's three-session agenda.