South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed hope that the Democratic Party’s victory in the 2026 United States midterm elections could open a new chapter in relations between South Africa and Washington.
Ramaphosa made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after voting in South Africa’s local government elections. He described the Democrats’ takeover of both chambers of the US Congress as a development that could usher in a “new era in world relations.”
The South African leader said his government hoped to find common ground with Washington on geopolitical issues, trade and investment.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated under President Donald Trump, following disagreements over trade, diplomacy and South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies.
The latest tension followed the Trump administration’s decision to remove South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade programme that provides eligible African countries with preferential access to the US market.
The exclusion is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, raising concerns about the potential impact on South African exports and employment.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that the decision was a setback but maintained that trade relations between both countries would continue. He also said South Africa was pursuing new export markets to reduce its dependence on the American market.
The diplomatic disagreements have also included Washington’s suspension of financial assistance to South Africa, the expulsion of its former ambassador and disputes over Pretoria’s international positions.
Despite the strained relationship, Ramaphosa said his government remained open to constructive engagement and negotiations towards a bilateral trade agreement.
The Democratic Party’s control of both chambers of Congress is expected to increase scrutiny of the Trump administration and complicate parts of its legislative agenda. However, any improvement in US-South Africa relations will depend on subsequent diplomatic and trade negotiations.
