The Taoiseach has met South African President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria on the second day of his state visit.
Later today Mr Ahern will also meet an Irish priest who was attacked and left for dead by armed burglars.
Fr Kieran Creagh (46) from Belfast was shot twice last March at an Aids hospice he founded at Atteridgeville Township near Pretoria.
The Taoiseach will also visit the Leratong Hospice, which cares for the terminally ill in the township and is modelled on the work of the Harold's Cross Hospice in Dublin where Fr Creagh worked.
Mr Ahern will also attend a function to highlight Ireland as a tourist destination and a seminar hosted by Bord Bia to promote Irish beef in the wake of the recent reopening of the South African market to Irish beef exports.
A business lunch organised by Enterprise Ireland will also be held to encourage trade links between the two countries.
Enterprise Ireland has organised a trade mission of over 50 companies, including four businesses from Northern Ireland, to coincide with the Taoiseach's visit.
Following his hospice visit, Mr Ahern will leave for Dar es Salaam in Tanzania where he is due to visit Irish aid projects.