Pretoria, 29 April 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Alistair Ruiters, a seasoned business leader and former Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry, as Special Advisor on Investment Promotion.
The Presidency said Dr Ruiters will support Ramaphosa in driving South Africa’s investment agenda—one of the key priorities of the 7th Administration aimed at stimulating inclusive economic growth and job creation.
As part of ongoing reforms to enhance the country’s appeal to both local and international investors, government is working to diversify the economy and deepen South Africa’s integration into continental and global value chains.
Dr Ruiters previously served as Director-General of Trade and Industry until April 2005, capping a 16-year career in the department. He also brings experience from his tenure as Commissioner of the Competition Commission and his leadership roles in various institutions, including the National Empowerment Fund, the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor project, and the Afarak Group.
An Oxford-trained academic, Dr Ruiters holds a Doctorate in Philosophy and a BA Honours degree from the University of Cape Town.
