The South African rand weakened in early trade on Friday, as investors awaited details of President Cyril Ramaphosa's telephone call with his U.S. counterpart President Donald Trump on bilateral trade.

Slapped with a steep tariff, South African officials hope for a deal, but some worry the U.S. may insist that it roll back measures that redress the damage of apartheid.

Africa is adjusting to the new reality of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, with countries on the continent facing some of the highest export charges.