South Africa, Nicaragua Deepen Ties: Botes Meets Ortega in Push for Trade, Investment

South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes has arrived in Nicaragua on a working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

During a warm reception in Managua, Botes met with Presidential Advisor Laureano Ortega Murillo for the Promotion of Investments, Trade, and International Cooperation. Ortega welcomed the South African delegation, describing South Africa as a “brotherly people” and an influential African nation with a storied history of anti-colonial struggle and significant economic potential. He highlighted shared multicultural and multiethnic identities, underscoring opportunities for enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Ortega praised South Africa’s role in BRICS—advancing a new world order based on mutual benefit and development—and its founding membership in the African Union. The meeting included Nicaragua’s Minister of Development and Trade Erwin Ramírez, Director of Investments and Exports Karina Mejía, and Free Zones Commission Director Fernando Sánchez, focusing on trade, investment, and economic collaboration.

Botes’ agenda features discussions with the Central Bank of Nicaragua, the National Assembly, the Ministries of Youth and Health, plus visits to the creative and tourist cities of Masaya and Granada. The visit concludes with meetings at Nicaragua’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.