VP Gibran Pushes Deeper Africa Ties, Announces Visa-Free Deal with South Africa
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.
Related Articles
Prabowo-Gibran Approval Holds Above 70% Despite Economic Concerns: Survey
A new Poltracking survey shows 72.2% approve of Prabowo's government, though economic concerns persist.
4,000 Civil Servants to Relocate to Nusantara This Year: Vice President
According to Gibran, construction progress remains in line with the government’s timeline, following site inspections by him.
VP Gibran Pushes Faster Civil Servant Relocation to New Capital Nusantara
Indonesia’s government is moving to speed up the transfer of civil servants to Nusantara as preparations for the new capital gather pace.
Parliamentary, Judicial Complexes in Nusantara to Be Ready Before 2028 Relocation
Indonesia targets completion of Nusantara’s core government buildings by 2027, ahead of the planned relocation from Jakarta.The Latest
Dear Mr. President, Don’t Skip ASEAN Summits
Despite calls for Prabowo to stay home, the Indonesian leader still needs to attend ASEAN summits.
PLN Rushes Coal Supplies After Power Outages Hit Java
PLN is rushing to secure coal supplies after shortages triggered rolling blackouts across Java, disrupting businesses and daily life.
Japan-Backed ADB Invests in Indonesia’s Human Capital
As many as 399 Indonesian awardees have joined the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program from 1988 to 2024.
Indonesian Stocks Rise Despite Foreign Outflows as MSCI Review Looms
Indonesia's JCI rose 2.8% as easing geopolitical tensions offset foreign outflows, MSCI concerns and rupiah pressures.
World Cup 2026: Paraguay Holds Off Turkey With 10 Men to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive
Matias Galarza scored after 65 seconds as 10-man Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0, eliminating the Turks and securing first place for the US.Most Popular
