South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is on a diplomatic tour of West Africa which will see him hold bilateral talks with various leaders in the region.

During his three-day trip, President Ramaphosa will visit Guinea, Ghana and Togo.

On Wednesday, he met with Guinean President Alpha Conde in Conakry, where they held official talks.

According to the South African presidency, Ramaphosa's visit is aimed at of strengthening the already existing bilateral, political and economic relations between South Africa and the three countries.

"The working visits will provide an opportunity for South Africa to explore new areas of cooperation with Guinea, Ghana and Togo, and to promote increased trade and investment flows to the mutual benefit of the peoples of the four countries." said the presidency.

It noted that various South African business entities operate in the countries, including MTN, WBHO, AngloGold Ashanti, Gateway Africa, Plan Africa Holding Guinea SARL in Guinea and UBU Holdings in Togo.

President Ramaphosa will also use the trip to engage his counterparts on the state of the continent's quest for peace and prosperity.

The visit comes ahead of South Africa's assumption of the African Union presidency in 2020, taking over from Egypt.

President Ramaphosa is joined by a high-level delegation, including Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Ms. Thoko Didiza, Minister for Defence and Military Veterans Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister for State Security Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo and Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry Mr. Fikile Majola.

Source(s): South African presidency