The U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary, Wally Adeyemo, is scheduled to embark on a visit to South Africa next week, aiming to enhance economic ties between the two nations despite recent tensions.
Adeyemo’s agenda will cover various key topics, including discussions on illicit finance, the transition to clean energy, investment in emerging entrepreneurs and leaders, efforts against wildlife trafficking, and an examination of U.S. sanctions.
During his stay from March 11-15, Adeyemo plans to engage with government officials, business leaders, and students, among others, in cities such as Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg.
The visit comes amid a period of strained relations between the United States and Africa’s largest industrialized economy over the past two years.
Notably, in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, attempts by U.S. and European officials to garner support against Moscow’s actions among African nations have faced challenges.
Despite Pretoria’s official stance of neutrality, perceived close ties between Russia and South Africa have raised concerns in Washington, given the latter’s significance as a U.S. trading partner in Africa.
Addressing these concerns, Adeyemo will discuss U.S. sanctions during his visit, including recent changes to the Zimbabwe sanctions program. Additionally, the ongoing criticism of Israel’s offensive in Gaza by South Africa has added another layer of complexity to bilateral relations.
While in South Africa, Adeyemo will participate in meetings with government counterparts, attend an interagency session on countering illicit finance, and join a roundtable discussion involving government officials, the private sector, and NGOs focused on combatting wildlife trafficking. This aligns with the collaborative efforts established by the U.S. Treasury Department and South Africa’s National Treasury, which formed a task force last year to intensify the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
Highlighting the importance of engagement with South Africa’s National Treasury, the spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. stands as the country’s third-largest trading partner. Adeyemo’s visit aims to deepen economic integration, fostering stronger ties and investment in the next generation of South Africans.
